JP3800845B2 - Vending machine product dispensing device - Google Patents

Vending machine product dispensing device Download PDF

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JP3800845B2
JP3800845B2 JP00551399A JP551399A JP3800845B2 JP 3800845 B2 JP3800845 B2 JP 3800845B2 JP 00551399 A JP00551399 A JP 00551399A JP 551399 A JP551399 A JP 551399A JP 3800845 B2 JP3800845 B2 JP 3800845B2
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product
restricting
passage
restricting member
product dispensing
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JP2000207630A (en
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貴史 西山
秀輝 藤本
豊 高橋
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Fuji Electric Retail Systems Co Ltd
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Fuji Electric Retail Systems Co Ltd
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Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、販売時に、上下方向に延びる商品通路内に横倒し状態で積み重ねて収納した商品のうちの最下位の１つを下方に投出する自動販売機の商品投出装置に関し、特に商品通路の幅を収納する商品の幅に合わせて規制する構成を備えた自動販売機の商品投出装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、この種の商品投出装置として、図９に示すものが知られている。以下、同図における左右方向を前後方向、奥行方向を左右方向という。この商品投出装置８０は、図示しない自動販売機の販売機本体内に収容した商品ラック８１の下端部に設けられている。商品ラック８１は、互いに対向する左右２枚の側板８３，８３（１枚のみ図示）を備え、これらの間には、前後方向に互いに対向しかつ上下方向に配列された多数の円弧状のガイド板８４，８４が設けられている。これら側板８３，８３および前後２列のガイド板８４，８４によって、上下方向に蛇行しながら延びるサーペンタイン式の商品通路８２が商品ラック８１内に画成されている。各ガイド板８４は、側板８３，８３の間に水平に左右方向に延びる図示しない支軸を介して、側板８３，８３に固定されている。
【０００３】
一方、商品通路８２の下端部には、互いに対向する商品投出機構８５および規制板８６が配置されており、これらは商品通路８２の下部における前後の壁を構成している。商品投出機構８５は、主ストッパ８５ａおよび補助ストッパ８５ｂを備えており、これらのストッパ８５ａ，８５ｂは、ともに商品通路８２に突出する制止位置と、商品通路８２から退避する退避位置との間で出没自在に設けられている。販売待機時には、主ストッパ８５ａは制止位置にあって商品Ｓを商品通路８２内に制止し、補助ストッパ８５ｂは退避位置に位置している。販売時には、補助ストッパ８５ｂが制止位置に突出することによって、下から２番目以上の商品Ｓを商品通路８２内に制止するとともに、主ストッパ８５ａが商品通路８２から退避することによって、最下位の商品Ｓを商品通路８２の下端の投出口８２ａから下方に投出する。この後、主ストッパ８５ａが制止位置に、補助ストッパ８５ｂが退避位置にそれぞれ復帰する。以上のように、主ストッパ８５ａおよび補助ストッパ８５ｂは動作する。
【０００４】
規制板８６は、商品Ｓの幅（外径）に応じて商品投出機構８５との間の商品通路８２の幅（図中の左右方向の寸法）を規制するためのものであり、商品投出機構８５の前方に上下に延びている。規制板８６の上下端部には、上下２つの係合軸８６ａ，８６ｂがそれぞれ取り付けられている。係合軸８６ａ，８６ｂはそれぞれ、側板８３の下端部に設けられた上下一対の案内孔８３ａ，８３ｂに係合しており、上案内孔８３ａは階段状に、下案内孔８３ｂは「コ」字状にそれぞれ形成されている。商品通路８２の幅を商品Ｓの幅に応じた幅に規制する場合、規制板８６を移動させることによって、上下の案内孔８３ａ，８３ｂで上下の係合軸８６ａ，８６ｂをそれぞれ案内すると共に、下係合軸８６ｂを下案内孔８３ｂの斜め後ろ下がりの上端部および下端部に係止する。これによって、商品通路８２の規制幅を図９（ａ）に示す太缶商品Ｓ用の設定と、図９（ｂ）に示す細缶商品Ｓ用の設定とに２段階に切り替えることができる。この切替作業は、ローディング時などに、オペレータが手で規制板８６を移動させることによって行われる。
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
上記従来の商品投出装置８０は、商品ラック８１の下端部に設けられているので、オペレータは、ローディング時などに、上記のような切替作業を手探りで行わなければならない。このため、その作業性が悪いうえに、誤操作により規制幅を誤設定してしまうおそれがある。例えば、太缶商品Ｓを収納する場合に、規制板８６を細缶商品Ｓ用に誤って設定してしまったときには、商品通路８２に充填された太缶商品Ｓが、商品通路８２内に引っかかってしまうことにより、最悪の場合には商品投出装置８０を分解して商品Ｓを取り出すなどの困難な修復作業を行わなければならない。
【０００６】
本発明は、上記課題を解決するためになされたもので、充填された商品の幅に応じて商品通路の幅を自動的にかつ正確に規制でき、ローディング時における作業性を向上させることができる自動販売機の商品投出装置を提供することを目的とする。
【０００７】
【課題を解決するための手段】
請求項１に係る発明は、上下方向に延びる商品通路に突出した制止位置と商品通路から退避した退避位置との間でともに進退自在な補助ストッパおよび主ストッパを上下に配置し、販売時には、補助ストッパを制止位置に突出させることにより、下から２番目の商品を商品通路内に制止するとともに、主ストッパを退避位置に退避させることにより、最下位の商品を商品通路から下方に投出した後、主ストッパを制止位置に位置させるとともに補助ストッパを退避位置に位置させる商品投出機構を備えた自動販売機の商品投出装置において、商品通路の商品投出機構に対向する面に設けられ、補助ストッパが制止位置に位置するときに、補助ストッパとの間の商品通路の幅を規制する第１規制部材と、商品通路の商品投出機構に対向する面に設けられ、主ストッパが制止位置に位置するときに、主ストッパとの間の商品通路の幅を規制する第２規制部材と、第１規制部材および第２規制部材を回動自在にかつ商品投出機構側に進退自在に支持し、商品投出機構との間の商品通路を商品の幅よりも狭い最小幅に規制する最小幅位置と、最大幅に規制する最大幅位置との間で案内する案内手段と、第１規制部材および第２規制部材を商品投出機構側に向かって付勢する付勢手段と、商品通路内に充填された商品が当接することにより第１規制部材および第２規制部材が回動したときに、当接する商品の幅に応じて、第１規制部材および第２規制部材を最小幅位置と最大幅位置の間の複数の規制位置の１つにそれぞれに位置決めする位置決め手段と、第１規制部材の上方の商品通路の下端部に設けられ、商品投出機構側に向かって斜め下がりに延び、主ストッパが制止位置に位置するときに、積み重なった商品のうちの下から２番目の商品が第１規制部材の回動の自由端側に当接した状態になるように、充填された商品を商品投出機構側に案内する案内位置と、先端部が当該案内位置よりも下方に回動した位置との間で回動自在のフラッパと、フラッパを案内位置に付勢するねじりコイルばねと、を備えることを特徴とする。
【０００８】
この自動販売機の商品投出装置によれば、商品通路内に商品がない状態では、主ストッパは制止位置に、補助ストッパは退避位置にそれぞれ位置している。また、第１規制部材および第２規制部材は付勢手段で商品投出機構側に付勢されることにより、案内手段に案内されて最小幅位置にそれぞれ係止されている。さらに、第１規制部材の上方の商品通路の下端部に設けられたフラッパは、ねじりコイルばねの付勢力により、商品投出機構側に向かって斜め下がりに延びる案内位置に保持される。この状態で商品が商品通路に充填されると、商品は、商品通路内を落下し、フラッパをねじりコイルばねの付勢力に抗しながら案内位置から下方に回動させると同時に、フラッパによって、商品投出機構側に案内され、商品投出機構および最小幅位置に位置する第１規制部材に当接した後、さらに落下して最小幅位置にある第２規制部材に当接する。この商品の当接により、第２規制部材は、付勢手段の付勢力に抗しながら案内手段によって最大幅位置側に案内されるとともに回動する。このように回動したときに、第２規制部材は、位置決め手段により、当接する商品の幅に応じた、最大幅位置と最小幅位置との間の複数の規制位置の１つに位置決めされることによって、制止位置にある主ストッパとの間の商品通路の幅を自動的に規制する。これにより、商品は、主ストッパおよび第２規制部材によって商品通路内に制止される。この後、商品が引き続いて充填されることにより、商品は、第１規制部材の上方のフラッパによって商品投出機構側に案内され、商品通路内に積み重なるとともに、積み重なった商品のうちの下から２番目の商品が第１規制部材の回動の自由端側に当接した状態で商品通路内に収納される。
【０００９】
また、販売時には、まず、補助ストッパが制止位置に突出するとともに、主ストッパが退避位置に退避する。この主ストッパの退避により、最下位の商品が下方に投出されることに伴って、下から２番目の商品が下方に移動し、制止位置にある補助ストッパと第１規制部材に当接する。この下から２番目の商品の当接により、第１規制部材が回動し、位置決め手段により、当接する商品の幅に応じた最大幅位置と最小幅位置との間の複数の規制位置の１つに位置決めされる。これにより、第１規制部材が補助ストッパとの間の商品通路の幅を自動的に規制することによって、下から２番目の商品が商品通路内に適切に制止される。以上のように、販売時に２つの商品を同時に販売してしまうことなどの動作不良を起こすことなく商品を確実に販売することができる。また、第１規制部材および第２規制部材は、位置決め手段によって充填する商品の幅に応じた規制位置に適切に位置決めされ、商品通路の幅を自動的にかつ正確に規制するので、従来と異なり、第１規制部材および第２規制部材を手で操作する必要がなく、規制幅の誤設定も防止できる。これによって、ローディング時における作業性を向上させることができる。
【００１２】
請求項２に係る発明は、請求項１に記載の自動販売機の商品投出装置において、商品投出装置は、他の商品投出装置と背中合わせに対称に並設されており、これら２つの商品投出装置の境界部には、２つの商品投出機構が配置されていることを特徴とする。
【００１３】
この自動販売機の商品投出装置によれば、２つの商品投出装置の境界部には、２つの商品投出機構が配置されているので、主ストッパおよび補助ストッパの動作部品やその動作スペースを共有化することなどにより、２つの商品投出機構の奥行を同じ方向に併設した場合と比べて小さくすることができ、商品投出装置全体としての奥行を小さくできる。
【００１４】
請求項３に係る発明は、請求項１または２に記載の自動販売機の商品投出装置において、位置決め手段は、第１規制部材を複数の規制位置に位置決めする第１位置決め手段と、第２規制部材を第１位置決め手段の複数の規制位置よりも商品投出機構側から離れた複数の規制位置に位置決めする第２位置決め手段とで構成されていることを特徴とする。
【００１５】
この自動販売機の商品投出装置によれば、第１位置決め手段が、第１規制部材を第２位置決め手段が第２規制部材を位置決めする複数の規制位置よりも商品投出機構側に近い複数の規制位置に位置決めすることにより、第１規制部材は、商品投出機構との間の商品通路の幅を、第２規制部材よりも狭くかつ商品の幅に近い幅に規制することができる。これによって、第１規制部材の商品の幅規制の精度を第２規制部材よりも向上させることができる。
【００１６】
請求項４に係る発明は、請求項３に記載の自動販売機の商品投出装置において、第１位置決め手段の複数の規制位置は、第２位置決め手段の複数の規制位置よりも数多くかつ互いの間隔が狭く設定されていることを特徴とする。
【００１７】
この自動販売機の商品投出装置によれば、第１規制部材が第１位置決め手段によって位置決めされることにより、商品通路の幅を商品の幅に応じた幅で第２規制部材よりも多段階に細かく規制することができるので、その商品の幅規制の精度を、第２規制部材よりも一層、向上させることができる。
【００１８】
請求項５に係る発明は、請求項１乃至４のいずれかに記載の自動販売機の商品投出装置において、案内手段は、商品通路の両側壁に形成した孔で構成され、第１規制部材および第２規制部材には、両端部がそれぞれ両側壁の孔に係合することにより、両側壁に回動自在にかつ進退自在に支持されるシャフトが設けられており、両側壁の外方には、シャフトが両側壁の孔から抜けないようにシャフトの長さ方向の移動を規制するカバーが設けられていることを特徴とする。
【００１９】
この自動販売機の商品投出装置によれば、カバーを両側壁の外方に設けるだけで、第１規制部材および第２規制部材のシャフトが、両側壁の孔から抜け出るのを阻止することができる。これによって、シャフトの両端部の抜け止め加工作業、例えばシャフトの両端部の頭をつぶしたり、シャフトの両端部に形成した溝にＥリングを嵌めたりする加工作業が不要になり、組み立て工数を削減することができる。
【００２０】
請求項６に係る発明は、請求項５に記載の自動販売機の商品投出装置において、カバーは、商品通路の両側壁に跨って延びる断面「コ」字状の単一部材であることを特徴とする。
【００２１】
この自動販売機の商品投出装置によれば、１つのカバーを両側壁の外方に差し込むだけで、上記のようなシャフトの抜け止め位置に配置することができる。これにより、カバーの取付作業が容易になる。
【００２２】
請求項７に係る発明は、請求項１乃至６のいずれかに記載の自動販売機の商品投出装置において、第１規制部材および第２規制部材の回動の自由端部は、商品が当接する当接面側に、最小幅位置にあるときに商品投出機構側に突出する突出部を備えていることを特徴とする。
【００２３】
この自動販売機の商品投出装置によれば、商品通路に充填された商品が突出部に当接しやすくなることによって、第１規制部材および第２規制部材をより確実に回動させることができる。これにより、第１規制部材および第２規制部材が位置決め手段によってより確実に位置決めされるので、商品通路の幅の規制動作をより確実に実行することができる。
【００２４】
請求項８に係る発明は、請求項１乃至７のいずれかに記載の自動販売機の商品投出装置において、付勢手段は、一端部が商品通路の両側壁に回動自在に支持され、他端部が第１規制部材に連結された第１本体と、この第１本体を第１規制部材側に回動させるように付勢することにより、第１規制部材を最小幅位置側に付勢する第１付勢部材と、を備えた第１付勢手段と、一端部が商品通路の両側壁に回動自在に支持され、他端部が第２規制部材に連結された第２本体と、この第２本体を第２規制部材側に回動させるように付勢することにより、第２規制部材を最小幅位置側に付勢する第２付勢部材と、を備えた第２付勢手段と、で構成され、第１規制部材および第２規制部材はそれぞれ、当接面と反対側の面との間に、第１本体および第２本体の他端部が遊嵌される隙間を画成する折返部を備えており、これらの折返部は、第１規制部材および第２規制部材が最小幅位置と最大幅位置との間で進退するときに、遊嵌した第１本体および第２本体の他端部の離脱を阻止可能な形状に形成されていることを特徴とする。
【００２５】
この自動販売機の商品投出装置によれば、第１本体および第２本体の一端部が両側壁に回動自在にそれぞれ軸支され、他端部が第１規制部材および第２規制部材の折返部にそれぞれ遊嵌されているので、第１規制部材および第２規制部材の進退に伴って、第１本体および第２本体は、第１規制部材および第２規制部材に対する角度を自在に変更しながら追従して回動する。これによって、第１規制部材および第２規制部材をスムーズに進退させることができる。これと同時に、遊嵌した第１本体および第２本体の他端部が離脱しないので、第１付勢手段および第２付勢手段によって、第１規制部材および第２規制部材をそれぞれ最小幅位置側に確実に付勢することができる。また、この商品投出装置を、格別な部品を用いることなく、第１規制部材および第２規制部材の折返部に第１本体および第２本体の他端部を遊嵌させるだけで比較的、単純に構成できる。
【００２６】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、添付図面を参照しながら、本発明の一実施形態に係る自動販売機の商品投出装置について説明する。図１（ａ）および図１（ｂ）はそれぞれ、本発明の商品投出装置１を適用した商品ラック２の正面図および側断面図を示している。この商品ラック２は、図示しない自動販売機内に収容され、缶飲料やビン飲料などの断面がほぼ円形の商品Ｓ（図６〜図８参照）を横倒し状態で収納するとともに、販売時に、収納した商品Ｓを商品投出装置１によって下方に投出するものである。両図に示すように、商品ラック２は、互いに平行に上下方向に延びる左右一対の側板２ａ，２ａと、これらの側板２ａ，２ａ間に設けられた多数の断面円弧状のガイド板２ｂ，２ｃとを備えている。各側板２ａおよび各ガイド板２ｂ，２ｃはそれぞれ、鋼板で製作されており、各ガイド板２ｂ，２ｃの上端部は、側板２ａ，２ａ間に水平に渡されたガイド軸２ｅに回動自在に取り付けられている。
【００２７】
図１（ｂ）および図３に示すように、ガイド板２ｂ，２ｃは、前後方向（両図における左右方向、以下同様）に互いに対向しかつ上下方向に配列されるとともに、２列のガイド板２ｂ，２ｃが背中合わせに対称に配置されている。これらのガイド板２ｂ，２ｃおよび側板２ａ，２ａによって、上下方向に蛇行しながら延びる、いわゆるサーペンタイン式の商品通路３，３が前後に２列、画成されており、前後の商品通路３，３は、上端部を除いて背中合わせに対称に構成されている。また、各商品通路３内には、図６〜図８に示すような３種類の外径（幅）の商品Ｓと、図示しない他の１種類の外径の商品とを加えた計４種類のうちの１種類の商品Ｓが収納される。
【００２８】
各商品通路３の下端部（出口部）には、最下位のガイド板２ｂに近接してフラッパ２ｆが設けられている。このフラッパ２ｆは、ローディング時に商品通路３を落下してきた商品Ｓを後述する商品投出機構４側に案内するものであり、その先端部が下方に折れ曲がった板状の部品である。フラッパ２ｆの上端部は、側板２ａ，２ａ間に水平に渡されたフラッパ軸２ｇに取り付けられており、これよって、フラッパ２ｆは、図３に示す斜め下がりの案内位置と、この位置から下方に回転した位置（例えば図８に示す位置）との間で回動自在になっている。図２に示すように、フラッパ軸２ｇには、ねじりコイルばね２ｈが取り付けられており、このねじりコイルばね２ｈの付勢力によって、フラッパ２ｆは、上記案内位置に常時、保持されている。
【００２９】
また、各商品通路３の下端部には、商品投出装置１が配置されており、商品投出装置１は、商品通路３内の境界部に設けられた商品投出機構４と、商品投出機構４と対向するようにフラッパ２ｆの下方に設けられた通路幅規制機構１０と、を備えている。前後の商品投出装置１は、商品投出機構４を除いて、商品通路３と同様に背中合わせに対称に構成されており、以下、特に断らない限り、後側の商品投出装置１について説明する。
【００３０】
図３に示すように、商品投出機構４は、上下方向に延びるシャーシ５と、このシャーシ５に取り付けられた主ストッパ６および補助ストッパ７などを備えている。シャーシ５は、鋼板で製作され、図示はしないが、側板２ａ，２ａ間に延びるとともに、前後のシャーシ５，５が一体に組み立てられている。この組立状態のシャーシ５，５の上下端部にはそれぞれ、上下のＵ字溝５ａ，５ｂが画成されており、これら上下のＵ字溝５ａ，５ｂにはそれぞれ、側板２ａ，２ａ間に水平に渡された上下のシャーシ軸２ｉ，２ｉが嵌合している。上シャーシ軸２ｉは、上Ｕ字溝５ａの底との間に隙間を有する状態で嵌合しており、この隙間は、下Ｕ字溝５ｂの深さよりも長く形成されている。これにより、シャーシ５，５を上方に移動させた後、前後方向に移動させると、シャーシ５，５を上下のシャーシ軸２ｉ，２ｉから取り外すことができる。これとは逆に操作することによって、シャーシ５，５を上下のシャーシ軸２ｉ，２ｉに取り付けることができる。以上のように、シャーシ５，５は、商品ラック２に対して着脱自在に取り付けられている。
【００３１】
主ストッパ６および補助ストッパ７は、シャーシ５の中央部に近接して設けられており、シャーシ５に水平に渡したストッパ軸６ａ，７ａにそれぞれ回動自在に取り付けられている。主ストッパ６は、商品通路３内に斜め後下がりの姿勢で突出する制止位置（図３に示す位置）と、商品通路３から退避しシャーシ５の前壁と面一になる退避位置（図６の前側の主ストッパ６参照）との間で回動可能になっている。同様に、補助ストッパ７も、商品通路３内に斜め後上がりの姿勢で突出する制止位置（図６の前側の補助ストッパ７参照）と、商品通路３から退避する退避位置（図３に示す位置）との間で回動可能になっている。
【００３２】
また、シャーシ５には、主ストッパ６および補助ストッパ７を駆動するための駆動機構（図示せず）が取り付けられており、この駆動機構によって駆動されることにより、主ストッパ６および補助ストッパ７は、それらの一方が制止位置に位置するときに、他方が退避位置に位置するように連動して回動する。前後の商品投出機構４，４では、一方の主ストッパ６が回動するときに、この主ストッパ６の商品通路３と反対側の部分が、他方の主ストッパ６や補助ストッパ７に干渉しない状態で、他方のシャーシ５内で回動する。これと同様に、一方の補助ストッパ７が回動するときに、この補助ストッパ７の商品通路３と反対側の部分が、他方の主ストッパ６や補助ストッパ７に干渉しない状態で、他方のシャーシ５内で回動する。すなわち、前後の商品投出機構４，４では、互いの主ストッパ６および補助ストッパ７のシャーシ５内における回動スペースが共有化されていることによって、シャーシ５の前後の幅が縮小化されている。
【００３３】
一方、商品ラック２の両側板２ａ，２ａの下端部には、後方にほぼ矩形に切り欠かれた切欠部２ｊが形成されており、通路幅規制機構１０は、この切欠き部２ｊに臨んで取り付けられている。通路幅規制機構１０は、商品投出機構４との間の商品通路３の幅を規制するものであり、商品ラック２に取り付けられたシャーシ１１と、このシャーシ１１に回動自在かつ摺動自在に取り付けられた上下の規制板１６，１７と、上下の規制板１６，１７をそれぞれ商品投出機構４側に付勢する付勢手段としての上下の付勢板１８，１９などを備えている。
【００３４】
図２〜図５に示すように、シャーシ１１は、鋼板を曲げ加工することによって横断面「コ」字状に形成されており、上下方向に延びる背板部１１ａと、背板部１１ａの左右端部から前方に延びる左右の側板部１１ｂ，１１ｂとを備えている。各側板部１１ｂと背板部１１ａの角の上端部には、切欠き１１ｃが形成されている。また、背板部１１ａの下端部には、フック１１ｄが取り付けられており、このフック１１ｄは、弾性を有する合成樹脂（例えば、ポリアセタール）で構成されるとともに、斜め後ろ下がりに延びてから下方に凸に円弧状に湾曲し、さらに下方に延びる断面形状を備えている（図５参照）。
【００３５】
上記切欠き１１ｃおよびフック１１ｄはそれぞれ、商品ラック２の両側板２ａ，２ａ間に渡された上下の支軸２ｋ，２ｋに嵌合している。このフック１１ｄを後方に引っ張り、弾性変形させることによって、フック２ｄと下支軸２ｋの嵌合が外れる。切欠き１１ｃの底と上支軸２ｋとの間に隙間が形成されていることにより、シャーシ１１を上方に移動させると、シャーシ１１の下端部を商品ラック２の後方に引き出すことができる。これに伴って切欠き１１ｃと上支軸２ｋの嵌合が外れることにより、シャーシ１１を上下の支軸２ｋ，２ｋから取り外すことができる。これとは逆に操作することによって、シャーシ１１を上下の支軸２ｋ，２ｋに取り付けることができる。以上のように、シャーシ１１は、商品ラック２に対して着脱自在に取り付けられている。
【００３６】
また、左右の側板部１１ｂ，１１ｂは、上述した商品ラック２の切欠部２ｊ，２ｊを覆うように配置され、この位置における商品通路３の両側壁を構成している。各側板部１１ｂには、斜め後ろ下がりに互いに平行に延びる案内手段としての上下の案内孔１２，１４と、位置決め手段としての斜め後ろ下がりの上下の位置決め孔１３，１５とが形成されている。後述するように、これらの上案内孔１２および上位置決め孔（第１位置決め手段）１３は上記上規制板（第１規制部材）１６を、下案内孔１４および下位置決め孔（第２位置決め手段）１５は上記下規制板（第２規制部材）１７をそれぞれ案内するとともに位置決めするためのものである。
【００３７】
上下の位置決め孔１３，１５の上部にはそれぞれ、のこぎり歯状の段部１３ａ，１５ａが形成されており、上位置決め孔１３には、シャーシ１１の背板部１１ａを含めて計４段の段部１３ａが設けられている。さらに、下位置決め孔１５には、シャーシ１１の背板部１１ａを含めて計３段の段部１５ａが設けられており、これらの段部１５ａ，１５ａ間の間隔は、段部１３ａ，１３ａ間の間隔よりも長く、かつ最前位置の段部１５ａが、最前位置の段部１３ａよりも後方に配置されている。
【００３８】
一方、上規制板１６は、制止位置にある前記補助ストッパ７との間の商品通路３の幅を規制するためのものであり、鋼板で製作されている。図４および図５に示すように、上規制板１６は、左右方向に延びる本体１６ａと、この本体１６ａの上端部に取り付けられたシャフト１６ｂと、本体１６ａの左右端部にそれぞれ形成された折返部１６ｃ，１６ｃと、本体１６ａの下端部から左右方向にそれぞれ突出する突起１６ｄ，１６ｄと、を備えている。
【００３９】
シャフト１６ｂの両端部は、上記シャーシ１１の上案内孔１２，１２に遊嵌されており、上案内孔１２，１２によって前後方向に案内されるとともに、シャーシ１１に対して回動自在に取り付けられている。これにより、上規制板１６は、図３に示す斜め前下がりの角度の最小幅位置と、鉛直な角度の最大幅位置（図８の前側の上規制板１６を参照）との間で進退自在であり、後述するように、常時は、最小幅位置に保持される。また、各突起１６ｄは、上記上位置決め孔１３を介してシャーシ１１の外方まで突出するとともに、上規制板１６が鉛直な角度のときに、上記上位置決め孔１３の各段部１３ａに当接可能に配置されている。これにより、上規制板１６が最小幅位置から鉛直な角度まで回動したとき、係止突起１６ｄが上位置決め孔１３の計４つの段部１３ａ（背板部１１ａも含む）の１つに前方から当接することによって、上規制板１６がその位置に位置決めされる。このように、４つの位置（規制位置）に位置決め可能であることにより、上規制板１６は、後述するように、制止位置にある補助ストッパ７との間の商品通路３の幅を４段階に規制可能である。
【００４０】
また、各折返部１６ｃは、本体１６ａとの間に隙間を形成するとともに、互いに対向するように左右方向の内向きに延びており、この隙間に上記上付勢板１８のカール部１８ｃの両端部が遊嵌されている。さらに、本体１６ａの前面は、商品Ｓが当接する当接面になっており、その下端部（回動の自由端部）には、前方に突出する突出部１６ｅが設けられている。この突出部１６ｅは、上規制板１６が常時、最小幅位置に保持されることにより、商品通路３を落下してくる商品Ｓが最も当接しやすい位置に配置されるとともに、上方に凸の断面台形の、商品Ｓが当接しやすい形状に形成されている。
【００４１】
さらに、下規制板１７は、制止位置にある前記主ストッパ６との間の商品通路３の幅を規制するためのものであり、鋼板で製作されている。図４および図５に示すように、下規制板１７は、上規制板１６とほぼ同様に構成されており、左右方向に延びる本体１７ａと、この本体１７ａの上端部に取り付けられたシャフト１７ｂと、本体１７ａの左右端部にそれぞれ形成された折返部１７ｃ，１７ｃと、本体１７ａの中央端部から左右方向にそれぞれ突出する突起１７ｄ，１７ｄと、を備えている。
【００４２】
シャフト１７ｂの両端部は、上記シャーシ１１の下案内孔１４，１４に遊嵌されており、下案内孔１４，１４によって前後方向に案内されるとともに、シャーシ１１に対して回動自在に取り付けられている。これにより、下規制板１７は、図３に示す斜め前下がりの角度の最小幅位置と、図８に示す鉛直な角度の最大幅位置との間で進退自在になっている。また、各突起１７ｄは、シャーシ１１の外方まで突出するとともに、下規制板１７が鉛直な角度のときに、上記下位置決め孔１５の各段部１５ａに当接可能に配置されている。下規制板１７が上記最小幅位置から鉛直な角度まで回動したとき、係止突起１７ｄが上記下位置決め孔１５の計３つの段部１５ａ（背板部１１ａも含む）の１つに前方から当接することによって、下規制板１７がその位置に位置決めされる。このように、３つの位置（規制位置）に位置決め可能であることにより、下規制板１７は、後述するように、制止位置にある主ストッパ６との間の商品通路３の幅を３段階に規制可能である。
【００４３】
また、各折返部１７ｃは、本体１７ａから切り起こすことによって、本体１７ａとの間に隙間を有するように形成されているとともに、互いに対向するように左右方向の内向きに延びており、この隙間に上記下付勢板（第２付勢手段）１９のカール部１９ｃの両端部が遊嵌されている。さらに、本体１７ａの前面は、商品Ｓが当接する当接面になっており、その下端部には、前方に突出する突出部１７ｅが設けられている。この突出部１７ｅは、下規制板１７が常時、最小幅位置に保持されることにより、商品通路３を落下してくる商品Ｓが最も当接しやすい位置に配置されるとともに、上方に凸の断面台形の、商品Ｓが当接しやすい形状に形成されている。
【００４４】
一方、上付勢板（第１付勢手段）１８は、上記上規制板１６を商品投出機構４側に付勢するものであり、鋼板で構成されている。上付勢板１８は、下方に凸に折れ曲がった断面「く」字状の本体（第１本体）１８ａと、本体１８ａの上端部に取り付けられたシャフト（第１付勢手段の一端部）１８ｂと、本体１８ａの下端部に形成された円筒状のカール部（第１付勢手段の他端部）１８ｃと、シャフト１８ｂに取り付けられたねじりコイルばね（第１付勢部材）１８ｄと、を備えている。
【００４５】
シャフト１８ｂの両端部はそれぞれ、シャーシ１１の両側板部１１ｂ，１１ｂの図示しない孔に遊嵌されており、これにより、上付勢板１８は、シャーシ１１に回動自在に取り付けられている。また、ねじりコイルばね１８ｄの左端部のアームはシャーシ１１の背板部１１ａの前面に、右端部のアームは、本体１８ａの背面にそれぞれ当接している。このねじりコイルばね１８ｄの付勢力によって、上付勢板１８は、図３の時計回りに常時、付勢されている。上述したように、カール部１８ｃが上規制板１６の折返部１６ｃに遊嵌されていることにより、上規制板１６は、上付勢板１８の付勢力によって商品投出機構４側に常時、付勢され、商品通路３が空のときには、図３に示すように最小幅位置に係止される。さらに、折返部１６ｃは、上規制板１６が最小幅位置と最大幅位置の間で移動する際に、カール部１８ｃとの遊嵌が外れないように、上規制板１６の本体１６ａに平行に上下方向に延びるとともに、上下の幅（高さ）が十分な幅に設定されている。
【００４６】
また、下付勢板１９（第２付勢手段）は、上記下規制板１７を商品投出機構４側に付勢するものであり、鋼板で構成されている。下付勢板１９は、上記上付勢板１８とほぼ同様に構成されており、下方に凸に折れ曲がった断面「く」字状の本体（第２本体）１９ａと、本体１９ａの上端部に取り付けられたシャフト（第２付勢手段の一端部）１９ｂと、本体１９ａの下端部に形成された円筒状のカール部（第２付勢手段の他端部）１９ｃと、シャフト１９ｂに取り付けられたねじりコイルばね（第２付勢部材）１９ｄと、を備えている。
【００４７】
シャーシ１１の背板部１１ａの前面中央の左右端部にはそれぞれ、前方に突出する支持突起１１ｅ，１１ｅが形成されており、シャフト１９ｂの両端部はそれぞれ、支持突起１１ｅ，１１ｅの図示しない孔に抜け止め状態で遊嵌されている。これにより、下付勢板１９は、シャーシ１１に回動自在に取り付けられている。また、ねじりコイルばね１９ｄの左端部のアームはシャーシ１１の背板部１１ａの前面に、右端部のアームは、本体１９ａの背面にそれぞれ当接している。このねじりコイルばね１９ｄの付勢力によって、下付勢板１９は、図３の時計回りに常時、付勢されている。上述したように、カール部１９ｃが下規制板１７の折返部１７ｃに遊嵌されていることにより、下規制板１７は、下付勢板１９の付勢力によって商品投出機構４側に常時、付勢され、商品通路３が空のときには、図３に示すように最小幅位置に係止される。さらに、折返部１７ｃは、下規制板１７が最小幅位置と最大幅位置の間で移動する際に、カール部１９ｃとの遊嵌が外れないように、下規制板１７の本体１７ａに平行に上下方向に延びるとともに、その上下の幅（高さ）が十分な幅に設定されている。
【００４８】
一方、シャーシ１１の外方には、シャーシ１１を包み込むようにカバー２０が取り付けられている（図２参照）。カバー２０は、鋼板を「コ」字状に曲げ加工したものであり、矩形の背板部２０ａと、この背板部２０ａの両端からシャーシ１１の左右の側板部１１ｂ，１１ｂに沿って前方に延びる左右の側板部２０ｂ，２０ｂとを備えている。両側板部２０ｂ，２０ｂは、シャーシ１１の上下の案内孔１２，１４および上下の位置決め孔１３，１５や、上付勢板１８のシャフト１８ｂを覆うように配置されている（図５参照）。また、各側板部２０ｂは、シャーシ１１の側板部１１ｂよりも少し外方に配置され、これにより、上下の規制板１６，１７のシャフト１６ｂ，１７ｂおよび上付勢板１８のシャフト１８ｂの左右方向への移動を規制し、これらがシャーシ１１から抜けることを防止している。背板部２０ａは、シャーシ１１の背板部１１ａにねじ止めされており、このねじ止めを外すことによって、カバー２０はシャーシ１１から取り外される。このように、カバー２０は、シャーシ１１に着脱自在に取り付けられている。
【００４９】
以上のように、後側の商品投出装置１は構成されており、これと同様に前側の商品投出装置１も構成されているので、ここでは説明は省略する。
【００５０】
以上のように構成された本実施形態の商品投出装置１の動作について、説明する。商品投出装置１は、図６〜図８に示すように、３種類の外径（幅）の商品Ｓ、すなわち販売可能な最小径（例えば４７ｍｍ）の細ビン商品Ｓ、細ビン商品Ｓより太い径（例えば５３ｍｍ）の細缶商品Ｓおよび販売可能な最大径（例えば６６ｍｍ）の太缶商品Ｓと、これに加えて、細缶商品Ｓと太缶商品Ｓの間の径（例えば６０ｍｍ）の図示しない中太缶商品とを適切に制止可能かつ投出可能に構成されている。以下、細ビン商品Ｓのローディング時および販売時における後側の商品投出機構１の動作について説明する。
【００５１】
まず、ローディング時の動作について説明すると、図３に示すように、商品通路３内に細ビン商品Ｓがないときに、主ストッパ６は制止位置に、補助ストッパ７は退避位置にそれぞれ位置している。また、上規制板１６および下規制板１７はそれぞれ、上付勢板１８および下付勢板１９で商品投出機構４側に付勢されることにより、斜め前下がりの角度で最小幅位置に係止されている。
【００５２】
この状態で細ビン商品Ｓが商品通路３に充填されると、細ビン商品Ｓは各ガイド板２ｂ，２ｃに案内されながら商品通路３内を落下し、最下位のガイド板２ｂに案内された後、フラッパ２ｆをねじりコイルばね２ｈの付勢力に抗しながら図３の反時計回りに回動させる。これと同時に、このフラッパ２ｆにより商品投出機構４側に案内され、シャーシ５の背面に当接した後、上規制板１６を後方に移動させかつ反時計回りに回動させる。さらに落下して主ストッパ６および下規制板１７に当接する。これにより、最小幅位置にある下規制板１７は、下付勢板１９の付勢力に抗しながら上案内孔１２によって最大幅位置側に案内されるとともに、反時計回りに回動する。
【００５３】
下規制板１７が鉛直な角度まで反時計回りに回動したとき、下規制板１７の突起１７ｅが下位置決め孔１５の最前位置の段部１５ａに当接することにより、下規制板１７は、細ビン商品Ｓの幅に応じた位置に位置決めされる。これにより、下規制板１７が、主ストッパ６との間の商品通路３の幅を自動的にかつ正確に規制することによって、細ビン商品Ｓは、主ストッパ６および下規制板１７により商品通路３内に制止される。以上の動作を繰り返すことにより、図６に示すように、細ビン商品Ｓは、商品通路３内に積み重なるとともに、積み重なった細ビン商品Ｓのうちの下から２番目のものが上規制板１６の下端部の突出部１６ｅに当接した状態で商品通路３内に充填される。このとき、上規制板１６は鉛直に近い角度になっており、シャーシ５との間の商品通路３の幅を、細ビン商品Ｓがその重さで下方に落下可能な幅に規制している。
【００５４】
次に、販売時の動作について説明する。販売時には、まず、補助ストッパ７が時計回りに回動して制止位置に突出し、これに連動して、主ストッパ６が時計回りに回動し退避位置に退避することにより、最下位の細ビン商品Ｓが下方に投出される。最下位の細ビン商品Ｓが下方に移動すると、これに伴って下から２番目の細ビン商品Ｓが下方に移動し、制止位置にある補助ストッパ７に当接するとともに、上規制板１６を反時計回りに回動させる。上規制板１６が鉛直な角度まで回動すると、上規制板１６の突起１６ｄが上位置決め孔１３の最前位置の段部１３ａに当接する。これによって、上規制板１６が細ビン商品Ｓの幅に応じた位置に位置決めされることにより、上規制板１６は、補助ストッパ７との間の商品通路３の幅を自動的にかつ正確に規制する。その結果、下から２番目の細ビン商品が、補助ストッパ７と上規制板１６によって商品通路３内に適切に制止される。この後、主ストッパ６が制止位置に復帰してから、補助ストッパ７が退避位置に退避すると、細ビン商品Ｓ群が下方に移動し、前述したように、最下位の細ビン商品Ｓが主ストッパ６と下規制板１７によって制止されるとともに、各細ビン商品Ｓが図６に示すような積み重なった充填状態で商品通路３内に制止される。以上のように、細ビン商品Ｓの販売動作が実行される。
【００５５】
また、図７および図８に示すような細缶商品Ｓおよび太缶商品Ｓのローディング時の動作や販売動作は、上記細ビン商品Ｓの場合とほぼ同様であり、異なる点についてのみ述べる。まず、細缶商品Ｓの場合、図７に示すように、ローディング時に、下から２番目の細缶商品Ｓに当接する上規制板１６の位置は、細ビン商品Ｓの場合よりも補助ストッパ７から離れた位置になる。さらに、販売時には、上規制板１６が上位置決め孔１３によって位置決めされるときに、その突起１６ｄが前から２番目の段部１３ａに当接する。すなわち、上規制板１６は、補助ストッパ７との間の商品通路３の幅を、細缶商品Ｓの幅に応じた、上記細ビン商品Ｓよりも広い幅に規制する。
【００５６】
一方、太缶商品Ｓの場合、図８に示すように、ローディング時には、下から２番目の細缶商品Ｓに当接する上規制板１６の位置が、上記細缶商品Ｓの場合よりも最大幅位置にかなり近い位置になる。また、下規制板１７は、その突起１７ｄがシャーシ１１の背板部１１ａに当接しており、主ストッパ６との間の商品通路３の幅を最大幅に規制する。さらに、販売時には、上規制板１６は、その突起１６ｄがシャーシ１１の背板部１１ａに当接することによって、補助ストッパ７との間の商品通路３の幅を最大幅に規制する。
【００５７】
また、太缶商品Ｓと細缶商品Ｓの間の径の中太缶商品の場合、図示はしないが、ローディング時に、下規制板１７は、その突起１７ｄが下位置決め孔１５の前から２番目の段部１５ａに当接することによって、主ストッパ６との間の商品通路３の幅を中太缶商品の幅に応じた幅に規制する。さらに、販売時には、上規制板１６は、その突起１６ｄが上位置決め孔１３の前から３番目の段部１３ａに当接することによって、補助ストッパ７との間の商品通路３の幅を中太缶商品の幅に応じた幅に規制する。
【００５８】
以上詳述したように、本実施形態の商品投出装置１によれば、４種類の外径の商品Ｓを販売できるとともに、各々の商品Ｓのローディング時に、商品Ｓは、フラッパ２ｆに案内されることにより、商品通路３内に充填した商品Ｓのうちの下から２番目の商品Ｓが、上規制板１６の前面下端部の突出部１６ｅに当接した状態で商品通路３内に積み重なる。これにより、販売時に、上規制板１６は、制止位置に突出した補助ストッパ７との間の商品通路３の幅を、下から２番目の商品Ｓの幅に応じた幅に自動的にかつ確実に規制するので、下から２番目の商品Ｓは、補助ストッパ７と上規制板１６によって商品通路３内に確実に制止される。したがって、２つの商品Ｓを同時に販売してしまうことなどの動作不良を起こすことがなく、商品Ｓを確実に販売することができる。
【００５９】
さらに、上述したように、ローディング時に、商品通路３に積み重なった商品のうちの下から２番目の商品Ｓが上規制板１６に当接する場合、商品Ｓが当接する前は、上規制板１６は上付勢板１８により最小幅位置側に付勢され、斜め前下がりの角度に保持されるので、下から２番目の商品Ｓは、上規制板１６の前面下端部に当接しやすいとともに、さらに、この下端部には、前方に突出する突出部１６ｅが形成されていることによって、上規制板１６の前面下端部の突出部１６ｅに確実に当接する。これによって、上記のような商品Ｓの販売動作をより確実に実行することができる。また、上位置決め孔１３の段部１３ａが、下位置決め孔１５の段部１５ａよりも互いの間隔が狭く多段階であるとともに、商品投出機構４側に近い位置に設けられていることによって、上規制板１６は、上記のような下から２番目の商品Ｓの幅規制動作を下規制板１７よりも精度よく実行する。それゆえ、上記のような商品Ｓの販売動作をより一層、確実に実行することができる。
【００６０】
また、補助ストッパ７および主ストッパ６が制止位置にあるときに、上規制板１６および下規制板１７はそれぞれ、上位置決め孔１３および下位置決め孔１５によって充填する商品Ｓの幅に応じた規制位置に位置決めされ、商品通路３の幅を自動的にかつ正確に規制するので、従来と異なり、上規制板１６および下規制板１７を手で操作する必要がなく、規制幅の誤設定も防止できる。これによって、ローディング時における作業性を向上させることができる。
【００６１】
さらに、２つの商品投出機構４，４が２つの商品投出装置１，１の境界部に配置され、各商品投出機構４の主ストッパ６および補助ストッパ７のシャーシ５内における回動スペースが共有化されていることによって、シャーシ５の前後の幅が縮小化されているので、商品投出装置１全体の前後の幅を縮小化することができる。また、カバー２０の側板部２０ｂ，２０ｂによって、上下の規制板１６，１７のシャフト１６ｂ，１７ｂおよび上付勢板１８のシャフト１８ｂの左右端部がそれぞれ、シャーシ１１の側板部１１ｂ，１１ｂから抜けるのを阻止することができる。したがって、各シャフト１６ｂ〜１８ｂの両端部の抜け止め加工作業、例えば、各シャフト１６ｂ〜１８ｂの両端部の頭をつぶしたり、両端部に形成した溝にＥリングを嵌めたりするような加工作業が不要になり、組立工数を削減することができる。さらに、単一部品のカバー２０をシャーシ１１に跨るように取り付けるだけでよいので、取付作業が容易になる。
【００６２】
また、上下の付勢板１８，１９がシャーシ１１に回動自在に取り付けられ、そのカール部１８ｃ，１９ｃがそれぞれ、上下の規制板１６，１７の折返部１６ｃ，１７ｃに遊嵌されるとともに、これらの折返部１６ｃ，１７ｃはそれぞれ、前述したように、上下の規制板１６，１７が最小幅位置と最大幅位置との間で移動したときに、カール部１８ｃ，１９ｃとの遊嵌が外れないような寸法や形状を備えている。したがって、カール部１８ｃ，１９ｃを折返部１６ｃ，１７ｃに遊嵌させるという単純な構成によって、上下の規制板１６，１７を最小幅位置と最大幅位置との間でスムーズに移動させることができるとともに、これらを商品投出機構４側に確実に付勢できる。
【００６３】
なお、上記実施形態では、上下の規制板１６，１７を用いて、補助ストッパ７および主ストッパ６との間の商品通路３の幅を規制したが、商品通路３の幅を規制する手段はこれに限らず、例えば形状や寸法の異なる規制部材を用いてもよく、適切に規制できる構成であればよい。また、上下の規制板１６，１７をそれぞれ位置決めする手段として、上下の位置決め孔１３，１５の段部１３ａ，１５ａ（シャーシ１１の背板部１１ａも含む）に当接させるようにしたが、位置決めする手段はこれに限らず、例えば突起やシャフトなど上下の規制板１６，１７を位置決め可能な構成であればよい。また、上下の規制板１６，１７を位置決めする段数も、充填する商品Ｓの種類に応じて適宜、設定すればよい。
【００６４】
さらに、上下の規制板１６，１７を商品投出機構４側に付勢する手段は、上下の付勢板１８，１９に限らず、例えば板バネなど、付勢可能な構成であればよい。また、商品投出装置１をサーペンタイン式の商品通路３を有する商品ラック２に適用したが、これに限らず、上下方向に真っ直ぐに延びる商品通路を有する商品ラックや、斜めに延びる商品通路を有するいわゆるスラントシェルフ式の商品ラックに適用してもよい。さらに、積み重なった商品Ｓのうちの下から２番目の商品Ｓが上規制板１６の突出部１６ｅに当接するように商品Ｓを商品投出機構４側に案内する手段は、フラッパ２ｆに限らず、例えば、異なる形状のガイド部材など商品Ｓを適切に案内できる構成であればよい。
【００６５】
【発明の効果】
以上のように、本発明の自動販売機の商品投出装置によれば、充填された商品の幅に応じて商品通路の幅を自動的にかつ正確に規制でき、ローディング時における作業性を向上させることができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の一実施形態に係る商品投出装置を適用した商品ラックの（ａ）正面図と（ｂ）側断面図である。
【図２】図１（ａ）の要部拡大図である。
【図３】図１（ａ）の要部拡大図である。
【図４】商品投出機構の正面図である。
【図５】図４のＡ−Ａ矢視断面図である。
【図６】商品投出装置が細ビン商品を制止し、投出する動作を示す側断面図である。
【図７】商品投出装置が細缶商品を制止し、投出する動作を示す側断面図である。
【図８】商品投出装置が太缶商品を制止し、投出する動作を示す側断面図である。
【図９】従来の商品投出装置が（ａ）太缶商品を制止した状態と（ｂ）細缶商品を制止した状態をそれぞれ示す側断面図である。
【符号の説明】
１ 商品投出装置
２ｆ フラッパ（商品通路の出口部を構成する部品）
３ 商品通路
４ 商品投出機構
６ 主ストッパ
７ 補助ストッパ
１０ 通路幅規制機構
１１ｂ シャーシの側板部（商品通路の側壁）
１２ 上案内孔（案内手段、孔）
１３ 上位置決め孔（位置決め手段、第１位置決め手段）
１４ 下案内孔（案内手段、孔）
１５ 下位置決め孔（位置決め手段、第２位置決め手段）
１６ 上規制板（第１規制部材）
１６ｂ シャフト
１６ｃ 折返部
１６ｅ 突出部
１７ 下規制板（第２規制部材）
１７ｂ シャフト
１７ｃ 折返部
１８ 上付勢板（付勢手段、第１付勢手段）
１８ａ 本体（第１本体）
１８ｂ シャフト（第１付勢手段の一端部）
１８ｃ カール部（第１付勢手段の他端部）
１８ｄ ねじりコイルばね（第１付勢部材）
１９ 下付勢板（付勢手段、第２付勢手段）
１９ａ 本体（第２本体）
１９ｂ シャフト（第２付勢手段の一端部）
１９ｃ カール部（第２付勢手段の他端部）
１９ｄ ねじりコイルばね（第２付勢部材）
２０ カバー
Ｓ 商品[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a product dispensing apparatus for a vending machine that dispenses the lowest one of products stacked and stored in a product channel extending in a vertically lying manner in a product channel extending in the vertical direction, and in particular, a product channel. The present invention relates to a product dispensing device for a vending machine having a configuration that regulates the width of the product in accordance with the width of a product to be stored.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, what is shown in FIG. 9 is known as this kind of product dispensing apparatus. Hereinafter, the left-right direction in the figure is referred to as the front-rear direction, and the depth direction is referred to as the left-right direction. The product dispensing device 80 is provided at the lower end of a product rack 81 accommodated in a vending machine body of a vending machine (not shown). The product rack 81 is provided with two left and right side plates 83 and 83 (only one is shown) opposed to each other, and a large number of arcuate guides that are opposed to each other in the front-rear direction and arranged in the vertical direction between them. Plates 84, 84 are provided. A serpentine-type product passage 82 that extends while meandering in the vertical direction is defined in the product rack 81 by the side plates 83, 83 and the two front and rear rows of guide plates 84, 84. Each guide plate 84 is fixed to the side plates 83 and 83 via a support shaft (not shown) extending horizontally between the side plates 83 and 83 in the left-right direction.
[0003]
On the other hand, a product dispensing mechanism 85 and a regulating plate 86 facing each other are arranged at the lower end of the product passage 82, and these constitute the front and rear walls in the lower part of the product passage 82. The product dispensing mechanism 85 includes a main stopper 85 a and an auxiliary stopper 85 b, and both of these stoppers 85 a and 85 b are between a stop position that protrudes from the product passage 82 and a retreat position that retreats from the product passage 82. It is provided so that it can appear and disappear. At the time of sales standby, the main stopper 85a is in the stop position to stop the product S in the product passage 82, and the auxiliary stopper 85b is in the retracted position. At the time of sale, the auxiliary stopper 85b protrudes to the stop position to stop the second or more products S from the bottom in the product passage 82, and the main stopper 85a retracts from the product passage 82, so that the lowest product S is discharged downward from the outlet 82a at the lower end of the commodity passage 82. Thereafter, the main stopper 85a returns to the stop position, and the auxiliary stopper 85b returns to the retracted position. As described above, the main stopper 85a and the auxiliary stopper 85b operate.
[0004]
The restricting plate 86 is for restricting the width (dimension in the left-right direction in the figure) of the product passage 82 with the product dispensing mechanism 85 in accordance with the width (outer diameter) of the product S. It extends vertically in front of the ejection mechanism 85. Two upper and lower engagement shafts 86a and 86b are attached to the upper and lower ends of the restriction plate 86, respectively. The engaging shafts 86a and 86b are respectively engaged with a pair of upper and lower guide holes 83a and 83b provided at the lower end portion of the side plate 83, the upper guide hole 83a is stepped, and the lower guide hole 83b is “co”. Each is formed in a letter shape. When restricting the width of the product passage 82 to a width corresponding to the width of the product S, the upper and lower engagement shafts 86a and 86b are guided by the upper and lower guide holes 83a and 83b by moving the restriction plate 86, respectively. The lower engagement shaft 86b is engaged with the upper and lower ends of the lower guide hole 83b that are inclined obliquely downward. Thereby, the regulation width of the merchandise passage 82 can be switched in two stages between the setting for the thick can product S shown in FIG. 9A and the setting for the thin can product S shown in FIG. 9B. This switching operation is performed by the operator moving the restriction plate 86 by hand during loading or the like.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Since the conventional product dispensing device 80 is provided at the lower end portion of the product rack 81, the operator must perform the above switching work by hand during loading or the like. For this reason, the workability is poor, and there is a possibility that the regulation width is erroneously set due to an erroneous operation. For example, when the thick can product S is stored, if the regulation plate 86 is mistakenly set for the thin can product S, the thick can product S filled in the product passage 82 is caught in the product passage 82. Therefore, in the worst case, it is necessary to perform difficult repair work such as disassembling the product dispensing device 80 and taking out the product S.
[0006]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and can automatically and accurately regulate the width of the product passage according to the width of the filled product, thereby improving workability during loading. An object is to provide a product dispensing device for a vending machine.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, an auxiliary stopper and a main stopper which are both movable up and down between a restraining position projecting in a product passage extending in the vertical direction and a retreating position retracted from the product passage are arranged vertically. After stopping the second product from below in the product passage by protruding the stopper to the stop position, and dropping the lowest product from the product passage downward by retracting the main stopper to the retract position In the product dispensing device of the vending machine provided with the product dispensing mechanism that positions the main stopper at the stop position and the auxiliary stopper at the retracted position, provided on the surface of the product passage that faces the product dispensing mechanism, When the auxiliary stopper is located at the stop position, the first restricting member for restricting the width of the product passage between the auxiliary stopper and the surface of the product passage facing the product dispensing mechanism And when the main stopper is positioned at the stop position, the second restricting member for restricting the width of the product passage between the main stopper and the first restricting member and the second restricting member can be rotated and the product thrown. Supports on the exit mechanism side so that it can move forward and backward, and guides between the minimum width position that restricts the product passage between the product delivery mechanism to the minimum width that is narrower than the width of the product and the maximum width position that restricts it to the maximum width. Guiding means, urging means for urging the first restricting member and the second restricting member toward the merchandise dispensing mechanism, and the merchandise filled in the merchandise passage are brought into contact with each other to thereby contact the first regulating member and the first regulating member. 2 When the restricting member is rotated, the first restricting member and the second restricting member are respectively positioned at one of a plurality of restricting positions between the minimum width position and the maximum width position according to the width of the product that comes into contact. Positioning means When, Product passage above the first restriction member Provided at the lower end of the product, extending obliquely downward toward the product dispensing mechanism side, When the main stopper is located at the stop position, the second product from the bottom of the stacked products comes into contact with the free end of rotation of the first regulating member. A flapper that is rotatable between a guide position for guiding the filled product to the product dispensing mechanism side and a position where the tip portion is rotated below the guide position, A torsion coil spring for urging the guide member to the guide position It is characterized by that.
[0008]
According to the product dispensing device of this vending machine, when there is no product in the product passage, the main stopper is located at the stop position and the auxiliary stopper is located at the retracted position. Further, the first restricting member and the second restricting member are urged by the urging means toward the product dispensing mechanism, so that they are guided by the guiding means and locked at the minimum width position. Further, the flapper provided at the lower end portion of the product passage above the first restricting member is held at a guide position extending obliquely downward toward the product dispensing mechanism by the biasing force of the torsion coil spring. When the product is filled in the product passage in this state, the product , Fall in the product aisle, The flapper is rotated downward from the guide position while resisting the biasing force of the torsion coil spring, and at the same time, the flapper is guided to the product delivery mechanism side, After coming into contact with the first restricting member located at the minimum width position, it further falls and comes into contact with the second restricting member located at the minimum width position. By the contact of this product, the second restricting member is guided and rotated to the maximum width position side by the guiding means while resisting the urging force of the urging means. When rotated in this way, the second restricting member is positioned by the positioning means at one of a plurality of restricting positions between the maximum width position and the minimum width position according to the width of the abutting product. Thus, the width of the commodity passage between the main stopper at the stopping position is automatically restricted. As a result, the product is restrained in the product passage by the main stopper and the second restricting member. Thereafter, the product is continuously filled, so that the product is located above the first regulating member. To the product delivery mechanism side by the flapper The guided products are stacked in the product passage, and the second product from the bottom among the stacked products is stored in the product passage in a state of being in contact with the rotation free end side of the first regulating member.
[0009]
At the time of sale, first, the auxiliary stopper protrudes to the stop position, and the main stopper retracts to the retreat position. With the withdrawal of the main stopper, the second lowest product moves downward as the lowest product is thrown downward, and comes into contact with the auxiliary stopper and the first restricting member at the stop position. The first restricting member is rotated by the contact of the second product from the bottom, and one of a plurality of restricting positions between the maximum width position and the minimum width position corresponding to the width of the contacting product is determined by the positioning means. Positioned in one. Accordingly, the first restricting member automatically restricts the width of the commodity passage between the auxiliary stopper and the second commodity from the bottom is appropriately restrained in the commodity passage. As described above, a product can be reliably sold without causing malfunction such as selling two products simultaneously at the time of sale. Further, the first restricting member and the second restricting member are appropriately positioned at the restricting position corresponding to the width of the product to be filled by the positioning means, and the width of the product passage is automatically and accurately regulated. In addition, it is not necessary to manually operate the first restricting member and the second restricting member, and erroneous setting of the restricting width can be prevented. Thereby, workability at the time of loading can be improved.
[0012]
Claim 2 The invention according to Claim 1 In the product dispensing device of the vending machine described, the product dispensing device is arranged in parallel symmetrically back to back with other product dispensing devices, and at the boundary of these two product dispensing devices, there are two A product dispensing mechanism is arranged.
[0013]
According to the product dispensing device of this vending machine, since two product dispensing mechanisms are arranged at the boundary between the two product dispensing devices, the operation parts and the operation space of the main stopper and the auxiliary stopper are provided. And the like, the depth of the two product dispensing mechanisms can be reduced as compared with the case where the two product dispensing mechanisms are arranged in the same direction, and the depth of the entire product dispensing device can be reduced.
[0014]
Claim 3 The invention concerned Claim 1 or 2 In the commodity dispensing apparatus for the vending machine described above, the positioning means includes a first positioning means for positioning the first restricting member at a plurality of restricting positions, and a second restricting member at a plurality of restricting positions of the first positioning means. It is comprised by the 2nd positioning means positioned to the some control position distant from the goods delivery mechanism side, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.
[0015]
According to the product dispensing apparatus of the vending machine, the first positioning means is closer to the product dispensing mechanism than the plurality of restriction positions where the first restriction member and the second positioning means position the second restriction member. By positioning at the restricting position, the first restricting member can restrict the width of the commodity passage to the commodity dispensing mechanism to be narrower than the second restricting member and close to the width of the commodity. Thereby, the accuracy of the width regulation of the product of the first regulating member can be improved as compared with the second regulating member.
[0016]
Claim 4 The invention according to Claim 3 In the commodity dispensing apparatus for the vending machine according to the item 1, the plurality of restriction positions of the first positioning means are more numerous than the plurality of restriction positions of the second positioning means, and are spaced from each other. To do.
[0017]
According to the product dispensing apparatus of this vending machine, the first restricting member is positioned by the first positioning means, so that the width of the product passage is multi-staged by a width corresponding to the width of the product than the second restricting member. Therefore, the accuracy of the product width regulation can be further improved as compared with the second regulating member.
[0018]
Claim 5 The invention according to Claims 1 to 4 In the commodity dispensing apparatus for a vending machine according to any one of the above, the guide means is configured by holes formed in both side walls of the commodity passage, and both end portions of the first restricting member and the second restricting member are on both sides, respectively. By engaging with holes in the wall, shafts are provided that are supported on both side walls so as to be able to rotate and retreat, so that the shafts do not come out of the holes on both side walls. A cover for restricting the movement of the shaft in the length direction is provided.
[0019]
According to the product dispensing device of this vending machine, it is possible to prevent the shafts of the first restricting member and the second restricting member from coming out of the holes in the both side walls only by providing the covers on the outer sides of the both side walls. it can. This eliminates the need for work to prevent the shafts from coming off, such as crushing the heads of both ends of the shaft or fitting E-rings into the grooves formed on both ends of the shaft. can do.
[0020]
Claim 6 The invention according to Claim 5 In the commodity dispensing apparatus for a vending machine described in 1), the cover is a single member having a cross-sectional “U” shape extending across both side walls of the commodity passage.
[0021]
According to the product dispensing device of this vending machine, it is possible to place the cover at the position where the shaft is prevented from slipping by simply inserting one cover to the outside of both side walls. This facilitates the cover mounting operation.
[0022]
Claim 7 The invention according to Any one of claims 1 to 6 In the product dispensing device for the vending machine described in 1), when the free end portions of the first restricting member and the second restricting member are at the minimum width position on the contact surface side where the product contacts, It has the protrusion part which protrudes in the extraction mechanism side, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.
[0023]
According to the product dispensing device of this vending machine, the product filled in the product passage can easily come into contact with the protruding portion, whereby the first regulating member and the second regulating member can be rotated more reliably. . Thereby, since the 1st control member and the 2nd control member are positioned more reliably by the positioning means, the operation of restricting the width of the product passage can be more reliably executed.
[0024]
Claim 8 The invention according to Claims 1 to 7 In the product dispensing apparatus for a vending machine according to any one of the above, the urging means has a first end rotatably supported on both side walls of the product passage and the other end connected to the first restriction member. A first main body and a first biasing member that biases the first main body toward the minimum width position by biasing the first main body toward the first regulating member. 1 biasing means, a second body whose one end is rotatably supported on both side walls of the product passage, and the other end is connected to the second regulating member, and the second body is placed on the second regulating member side A second urging means comprising: a second urging member that urges the second restricting member toward the minimum width position by urging the second restricting member to rotate; and the first restricting member and Each of the second restricting members defines a gap in which the other end portions of the first main body and the second main body are loosely fitted between the contact surface and the opposite surface. The return portions are provided, and when the first restricting member and the second restricting member move back and forth between the minimum width position and the maximum width position, the folded portions of the first body and the second body that are loosely fitted are provided. It is formed in the shape which can prevent detachment | leave of an other end part.
[0025]
According to the product dispensing device of this vending machine, one end portions of the first main body and the second main body are pivotally supported on both side walls, respectively, and the other end portions of the first restricting member and the second restricting member are supported. Since it is loosely fitted to the turn-back portion, the first main body and the second main body can freely change the angle with respect to the first restriction member and the second restriction member as the first restriction member and the second restriction member advance and retreat. While following it, it turns. As a result, the first restricting member and the second restricting member can be smoothly advanced and retracted. At the same time, since the loosely fitted first main body and the other end of the second main body are not detached, the first restricting member and the second restricting member are moved to the minimum width position by the first biasing means and the second biasing means, respectively. It can be positively biased to the side. In addition, this product dispensing device can be relatively fitted by loosely fitting the other end portions of the first main body and the second main body to the folded portions of the first restricting member and the second restricting member without using special parts. It can be configured simply.
[0026]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a product dispensing apparatus for a vending machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B respectively show a front view and a side sectional view of a product rack 2 to which the product dispensing device 1 of the present invention is applied. The product rack 2 is housed in a vending machine (not shown), and stores a product S (see FIGS. 6 to 8) having a substantially circular cross section such as a can beverage or a bottle beverage in a lying state and stored at the time of sale. The product S is dispensed downward by the product dispensing device 1. As shown in both figures, the product rack 2 includes a pair of left and right side plates 2a, 2a extending in parallel in the vertical direction and a plurality of guide plates 2b, 2c having an arcuate cross section provided between the side plates 2a, 2a. And. Each side plate 2a and each guide plate 2b, 2c are each made of a steel plate, and the upper end portion of each guide plate 2b, 2c is turnable to a guide shaft 2e horizontally passed between the side plates 2a, 2a. It is attached.
[0027]
As shown in FIGS. 1B and 3, the guide plates 2b and 2c are opposed to each other in the front-rear direction (the left-right direction in both drawings, the same applies hereinafter) and are arranged in the up-down direction, and two rows of guide plates 2b and 2c are arranged symmetrically back to back. By these guide plates 2b, 2c and side plates 2a, 2a, so-called serpentine type product passages 3, 3 extending while meandering in the vertical direction are defined in two rows in the front and rear, and the front and rear product passages 3, 3 Are configured symmetrically back to back except for the upper end. Further, in each product passage 3, there are a total of four types including a product S having three types of outer diameters (widths) as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 and another one type of outer diameter product not shown. One type of product S is stored.
[0028]
A flapper 2f is provided at the lower end (exit portion) of each product passage 3 in the vicinity of the lowest guide plate 2b. The flapper 2f guides the product S that has fallen through the product passage 3 at the time of loading to the product delivery mechanism 4 described later, and is a plate-like component whose tip is bent downward. The upper end portion of the flapper 2f is attached to a flapper shaft 2g that is horizontally passed between the side plates 2a and 2a. Thus, the flapper 2f is moved downwardly from this position, as shown in FIG. It is freely rotatable between the rotated positions (for example, the positions shown in FIG. 8). As shown in FIG. 2, a torsion coil spring 2h is attached to the flapper shaft 2g, and the flapper 2f is always held at the guide position by the urging force of the torsion coil spring 2h.
[0029]
In addition, a product dispensing device 1 is disposed at the lower end of each product passage 3, and the product dispensing device 1 includes a product dispensing mechanism 4 provided at a boundary in the product passage 3, and a product dispensing device. And a passage width regulating mechanism 10 provided below the flapper 2f so as to face the output mechanism 4. The front and rear product dispensing devices 1 are configured symmetrically back-to-back like the product passage 3 except for the product dispensing mechanism 4. Hereinafter, the rear product dispensing device 1 will be described unless otherwise specified. To do.
[0030]
As shown in FIG. 3, the product dispensing mechanism 4 includes a chassis 5 extending in the vertical direction, a main stopper 6 and an auxiliary stopper 7 attached to the chassis 5, and the like. The chassis 5 is made of a steel plate and is not shown, but extends between the side plates 2a and 2a, and the front and rear chassis 5 and 5 are integrally assembled. Upper and lower U-shaped grooves 5a and 5b are defined in the upper and lower ends of the assembled chassis 5 and 5, respectively. The upper and lower U-shaped grooves 5a and 5b are respectively defined between the side plates 2a and 2a. The upper and lower chassis shafts 2i, 2i that are horizontally passed are fitted. The upper chassis shaft 2i is fitted in a state having a gap with the bottom of the upper U-shaped groove 5a, and the gap is formed longer than the depth of the lower U-shaped groove 5b. Thus, when the chassis 5 and 5 are moved upward and then moved in the front-rear direction, the chassis 5 and 5 can be detached from the upper and lower chassis shafts 2i and 2i. By operating in the opposite direction, the chassis 5, 5 can be attached to the upper and lower chassis shafts 2i, 2i. As described above, the chassis 5 and 5 are detachably attached to the product rack 2.
[0031]
The main stopper 6 and the auxiliary stopper 7 are provided in the vicinity of the center of the chassis 5, and are rotatably attached to stopper shafts 6 a and 7 a that extend horizontally to the chassis 5. The main stopper 6 has a restraining position (position shown in FIG. 3) that protrudes obliquely downward in the product passage 3 and a retreat position that is retracted from the product passage 3 and flush with the front wall of the chassis 5 (FIG. 6). And the front main stopper 6). Similarly, the auxiliary stopper 7 also has a restraining position (see the auxiliary stopper 7 on the front side in FIG. 6) that protrudes obliquely upward in the product passage 3 and a retreat position (the position shown in FIG. 3) that retreats from the product passage 3. ).
[0032]
In addition, a drive mechanism (not shown) for driving the main stopper 6 and the auxiliary stopper 7 is attached to the chassis 5, and the main stopper 6 and the auxiliary stopper 7 are driven by this drive mechanism. When one of them is positioned at the stop position, the other is rotated in conjunction so that the other is positioned at the retracted position. In the front and rear product dispensing mechanisms 4, 4, when one main stopper 6 rotates, the portion of the main stopper 6 opposite to the product passage 3 does not interfere with the other main stopper 6 or the auxiliary stopper 7. In the state, it rotates in the other chassis 5. Similarly, when one of the auxiliary stoppers 7 rotates, the portion of the auxiliary stopper 7 opposite to the product passage 3 does not interfere with the other main stopper 6 or the auxiliary stopper 7 and the other chassis. 5 to rotate. That is, in the front and rear product dispensing mechanisms 4 and 4, since the rotation space in the chassis 5 of the main stopper 6 and the auxiliary stopper 7 is shared, the front and rear width of the chassis 5 is reduced. Yes.
[0033]
On the other hand, at the lower ends of both side plates 2a, 2a of the product rack 2, a notch 2j cut out in a substantially rectangular shape is formed at the rear, and the passage width regulating mechanism 10 faces the notch 2j. It is attached. The passage width regulation mechanism 10 regulates the width of the product passage 3 between the product delivery mechanism 4 and the chassis 11 attached to the product rack 2, and is rotatable and slidable on the chassis 11. The upper and lower restricting plates 16 and 17 attached to the upper and lower urging plates 18 and 19 as urging means for urging the upper and lower restricting plates 16 and 17 toward the product dispensing mechanism 4 are provided. .
[0034]
As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the chassis 11 is formed in a cross-sectional “U” shape by bending a steel plate, and has a back plate portion 11 a extending in the vertical direction and left and right sides of the back plate portion 11 a. Left and right side plate portions 11b, 11b extending forward from the end portions are provided. A notch 11c is formed at the upper end of the corner of each side plate portion 11b and back plate portion 11a. A hook 11d is attached to the lower end portion of the back plate portion 11a. The hook 11d is made of an elastic synthetic resin (for example, polyacetal), and extends obliquely downward and downward. It has a cross-sectional shape that is convexly curved in an arc shape and extends downward (see FIG. 5).
[0035]
The notches 11c and the hooks 11d are respectively fitted to upper and lower support shafts 2k and 2k passed between both side plates 2a and 2a of the product rack 2. By pulling the hook 11d rearward and elastically deforming, the hook 2d and the lower support shaft 2k are disengaged. Since a gap is formed between the bottom of the notch 11c and the upper support shaft 2k, the lower end portion of the chassis 11 can be pulled out rearward of the product rack 2 when the chassis 11 is moved upward. Accordingly, the notch 11c and the upper support shaft 2k are disengaged, whereby the chassis 11 can be detached from the upper and lower support shafts 2k, 2k. By operating in the opposite direction, the chassis 11 can be attached to the upper and lower support shafts 2k, 2k. As described above, the chassis 11 is detachably attached to the product rack 2.
[0036]
The left and right side plate portions 11b and 11b are arranged so as to cover the notches 2j and 2j of the product rack 2 described above, and constitute both side walls of the product passage 3 at this position. Each side plate portion 11b is formed with upper and lower guide holes 12, 14 as guide means extending in parallel with each other in an obliquely backward and downward manner and upper and lower positioning holes 13, 15 as obliquely downwardly descending positioning means. As will be described later, the upper guide hole 12 and the upper positioning hole (first positioning means) 13 serve as the upper regulating plate (first regulating member) 16, the lower guide hole 14 and the lower positioning hole (second positioning means). 15 is for guiding and positioning the lower restricting plate (second restricting member) 17.
[0037]
Sawtooth-shaped step portions 13 a and 15 a are respectively formed on the upper and lower positioning holes 13 and 15, and the upper positioning hole 13 includes a total of four steps including the back plate portion 11 a of the chassis 11. A portion 13a is provided. Further, the lower positioning hole 15 is provided with a total of three steps 15a including the back plate portion 11a of the chassis 11, and the interval between these steps 15a and 15a is between the steps 13a and 13a. The step portion 15a at the foremost position that is longer than the interval is disposed behind the step portion 13a at the foremost position.
[0038]
On the other hand, the upper restricting plate 16 is for restricting the width of the product passage 3 between the auxiliary stopper 7 in the restraining position, and is made of a steel plate. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the upper restricting plate 16 includes a main body 16a extending in the left-right direction, a shaft 16b attached to the upper end portion of the main body 16a, and a folding formed at the left and right end portions of the main body 16a. Parts 16c and 16c, and protrusions 16d and 16d that protrude in the left-right direction from the lower end of the main body 16a, respectively.
[0039]
Both end portions of the shaft 16b are loosely fitted in the upper guide holes 12 and 12 of the chassis 11 and are guided in the front-rear direction by the upper guide holes 12 and 12 and are rotatably attached to the chassis 11. ing. As a result, the upper restricting plate 16 can advance and retreat between the minimum width position of the diagonally downward angle shown in FIG. 3 and the maximum width position of the vertical angle (see the upper restricting plate 16 on the front side in FIG. 8). As will be described later, the position is always held at the minimum width position. Each protrusion 16d protrudes to the outside of the chassis 11 through the upper positioning hole 13, and abuts against each step portion 13a of the upper positioning hole 13 when the upper restricting plate 16 has a vertical angle. Arranged to be possible. As a result, when the upper restricting plate 16 is rotated from the minimum width position to a vertical angle, the locking projection 16d is moved forward to one of the four step portions 13a (including the back plate portion 11a) of the upper positioning hole 13. The upper regulating plate 16 is positioned at that position. Thus, by being able to be positioned at four positions (restriction positions), the upper restriction plate 16 allows the width of the commodity passage 3 between the auxiliary stopper 7 at the restriction position to be four steps as will be described later. It can be regulated.
[0040]
Each folded portion 16c forms a gap with the main body 16a and extends inward in the left-right direction so as to face each other. Both ends of the curled portion 18c of the upper biasing plate 18 are formed in the gap. The part is loosely fitted. Furthermore, the front surface of the main body 16a is an abutting surface with which the product S abuts, and a projecting portion 16e projecting forward is provided at a lower end portion (a free end portion of the rotation). The projecting portion 16e is disposed at a position where the product S falling through the product passage 3 is most likely to come into contact with the upper regulating plate 16 being always held at the minimum width position, and has an upwardly convex cross section. It is formed in a trapezoidal shape in which the product S can easily come into contact.
[0041]
Further, the lower restricting plate 17 is for restricting the width of the merchandise passage 3 between the main stopper 6 in the restraining position and is made of a steel plate. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the lower restricting plate 17 is configured in substantially the same manner as the upper restricting plate 16, and includes a main body 17a extending in the left-right direction, and a shaft 17b attached to an upper end portion of the main body 17a. , Folded portions 17c and 17c formed on the left and right ends of the main body 17a, and projections 17d and 17d respectively protruding in the left and right directions from the central end of the main body 17a.
[0042]
Both end portions of the shaft 17b are loosely fitted in the lower guide holes 14 and 14 of the chassis 11, guided in the front-rear direction by the lower guide holes 14 and 14, and rotatably attached to the chassis 11. ing. As a result, the lower restricting plate 17 can be moved back and forth between the minimum width position of the diagonally downward angle shown in FIG. 3 and the maximum width position of the vertical angle shown in FIG. Each projection 17d protrudes to the outside of the chassis 11 and is disposed so as to be able to contact each step portion 15a of the lower positioning hole 15 when the lower regulating plate 17 is at a vertical angle. When the lower restricting plate 17 is rotated from the minimum width position to a vertical angle, the locking projection 17d is moved forward from one of the three step portions 15a (including the back plate portion 11a) of the lower positioning hole 15 from the front. By contacting, the lower restricting plate 17 is positioned at that position. In this way, by being able to be positioned at three positions (regulatory positions), the lower restricting plate 17 increases the width of the product passage 3 between the main stopper 6 at the restrained position in three stages, as will be described later. It can be regulated.
[0043]
Each folded portion 17c is formed to have a gap with the main body 17a by cutting up from the main body 17a, and extends inward in the left-right direction so as to face each other. Both ends of the curled portion 19c of the lower urging plate (second urging means) 19 are loosely fitted. Furthermore, the front surface of the main body 17a is an abutting surface with which the product S abuts, and a projecting portion 17e projecting forward is provided at the lower end portion thereof. The projecting portion 17e is arranged at a position where the product S falling through the product passage 3 is most likely to come into contact with the lower regulating plate 17 being always held at the minimum width position, and has an upwardly convex cross section. It is formed in a trapezoidal shape in which the product S can easily come into contact.
[0044]
On the other hand, the upper urging plate (first urging means) 18 urges the upper restricting plate 16 toward the product dispensing mechanism 4 and is made of a steel plate. The upper urging plate 18 includes a main body (first main body) 18a having a "<"-shaped cross section bent downward and a shaft (one end portion of the first urging means) 18b attached to the upper end of the main body 18a. A cylindrical curled portion (the other end portion of the first biasing means) 18c formed at the lower end portion of the main body 18a, and a torsion coil spring (first biasing member) 18d attached to the shaft 18b. I have.
[0045]
Both end portions of the shaft 18 b are loosely fitted in holes (not shown) of the side plate portions 11 b and 11 b of the chassis 11, whereby the upper biasing plate 18 is rotatably attached to the chassis 11. The left end arm of the torsion coil spring 18d is in contact with the front surface of the back plate portion 11a of the chassis 11, and the right end arm is in contact with the back surface of the main body 18a. The upper biasing plate 18 is constantly biased clockwise in FIG. 3 by the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 18d. As described above, since the curled portion 18c is loosely fitted to the folded portion 16c of the upper restricting plate 16, the upper restricting plate 16 is always moved toward the product dispensing mechanism 4 by the urging force of the upper urging plate 18. When the product passage 3 is urged and is empty, it is locked at the minimum width position as shown in FIG. Further, the folded portion 16c is parallel to the main body 16a of the upper regulating plate 16 so that the loose fitting with the curled portion 18c is not removed when the upper regulating plate 16 moves between the minimum width position and the maximum width position. While extending in the vertical direction, the vertical width (height) is set to a sufficient width.
[0046]
The lower urging plate 19 (second urging means) urges the lower restricting plate 17 toward the product dispensing mechanism 4 and is made of a steel plate. The lower urging plate 19 is configured in substantially the same manner as the upper urging plate 18, and has a main body (second main body) 19 a having a “<” shape in cross section bent downward and a top end portion of the main body 19 a. An attached shaft (one end portion of the second urging means) 19b, a cylindrical curl portion (the other end portion of the second urging means) 19c formed at the lower end portion of the main body 19a, and the shaft 19b. And a torsion coil spring (second urging member) 19d.
[0047]
Support projections 11e and 11e projecting forward are formed on the left and right ends of the front center of the back plate portion 11a of the chassis 11, and both end portions of the shaft 19b are holes (not shown) of the support projections 11e and 11e, respectively. It is loosely fitted in the retaining state. Thus, the lower urging plate 19 is rotatably attached to the chassis 11. The left end arm of the torsion coil spring 19d is in contact with the front surface of the back plate portion 11a of the chassis 11, and the right end arm is in contact with the back surface of the main body 19a. The lower urging plate 19 is always urged clockwise in FIG. 3 by the urging force of the torsion coil spring 19d. As described above, the curling portion 19c is loosely fitted to the folded portion 17c of the lower restricting plate 17, so that the lower restricting plate 17 is always moved toward the product dispensing mechanism 4 by the urging force of the lower urging plate 19. When the product passage 3 is urged and is empty, it is locked at the minimum width position as shown in FIG. Further, the folded portion 17c is parallel to the main body 17a of the lower regulating plate 17 so that loose fitting with the curled portion 19c is not removed when the lower regulating plate 17 moves between the minimum width position and the maximum width position. While extending in the vertical direction, the vertical width (height) is set to a sufficient width.
[0048]
On the other hand, a cover 20 is attached outside the chassis 11 so as to wrap the chassis 11 (see FIG. 2). The cover 20 is formed by bending a steel plate into a “U” shape. The cover 20 has a rectangular back plate portion 20a and forwards from both ends of the back plate portion 20a along the left and right side plate portions 11b and 11b of the chassis 11. The left and right side plate portions 20b and 20b extend. Both side plate portions 20b and 20b are arranged so as to cover the upper and lower guide holes 12 and 14 and the upper and lower positioning holes 13 and 15 of the chassis 11 and the shaft 18b of the upper biasing plate 18 (see FIG. 5). Further, each side plate portion 20b is disposed slightly outward from the side plate portion 11b of the chassis 11, so that the left and right directions of the shafts 16b and 17b of the upper and lower regulating plates 16 and 17 and the shaft 18b of the upper biasing plate 18 are arranged. Are prevented from being removed from the chassis 11. The back plate 20a is screwed to the back plate 11a of the chassis 11, and the cover 20 is removed from the chassis 11 by removing the screw. As described above, the cover 20 is detachably attached to the chassis 11.
[0049]
As described above, the rear product throwing apparatus 1 is configured, and the front product throwing apparatus 1 is also configured in the same manner, so the description thereof is omitted here.
[0050]
The operation of the product dispensing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the product dispensing apparatus 1 includes three types of products S having outer diameters (widths), that is, a narrow bottle product S and a thin bottle product S having a minimum saleable diameter (for example, 47 mm). A thin can product S having a large diameter (for example, 53 mm) and a thick can product S having a maximum saleable diameter (for example, 66 mm), and in addition to this, a diameter between the thin can product S and the thick can product S (for example, 60 mm) The middle-thick can product (not shown) can be appropriately restrained and thrown out. Hereinafter, the operation of the rear product dispensing mechanism 1 when loading and selling the thin bin product S will be described.
[0051]
First, the operation during loading will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, when there is no narrow bottle product S in the product passage 3, the main stopper 6 is located at the stop position and the auxiliary stopper 7 is located at the retracted position. Yes. Further, the upper restricting plate 16 and the lower restricting plate 17 are urged toward the product dispensing mechanism 4 by the upper urging plate 18 and the lower urging plate 19, respectively, so that the upper restricting plate 16 and the lower restricting plate 17 are moved to the minimum width position at an obliquely downward angle. It is locked.
[0052]
When the narrow bottle product S is filled in the product passage 3 in this state, the narrow bottle product S falls in the product passage 3 while being guided by the guide plates 2b and 2c, and is guided to the lowest guide plate 2b. Thereafter, the flapper 2f is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 3 while resisting the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 2h. At the same time, the flapper 2f guides the product delivery mechanism 4 and contacts the rear surface of the chassis 5, and then moves the upper restricting plate 16 backward and rotates it counterclockwise. Further, it falls and comes into contact with the main stopper 6 and the lower restricting plate 17. As a result, the lower restricting plate 17 at the minimum width position is guided to the maximum width position side by the upper guide hole 12 against the urging force of the lower urging plate 19 and is rotated counterclockwise.
[0053]
When the lower restricting plate 17 is rotated counterclockwise to a vertical angle, the protrusion 17e of the lower restricting plate 17 contacts the foremost step portion 15a of the lower positioning hole 15, so that the lower restricting plate 17 is thin. It is positioned at a position corresponding to the width of the bin product S. As a result, the lower regulating plate 17 automatically and accurately regulates the width of the product passage 3 between the lower stopper plate 17 and the main stopper 6. It is restrained within 3. By repeating the above operation, as shown in FIG. 6, the thin bin product S is stacked in the product passage 3, and the second one from the bottom among the stacked thin bin products S is the upper restricting plate 16. The merchandise passage 3 is filled in a state of being in contact with the projecting portion 16e at the lower end. At this time, the upper restricting plate 16 has an angle close to vertical, and restricts the width of the product passage 3 between the upper restricting plate 16 and the chassis 5 so that the narrow bottle product S can fall downward with its weight. .
[0054]
Next, the operation at the time of sale will be described. At the time of sale, first, the auxiliary stopper 7 rotates clockwise and protrudes to the stop position, and in conjunction with this, the main stopper 6 rotates clockwise and retracts to the retracted position, so that the lowermost narrow bin The product S is thrown downward. When the lowest-order thin bin product S moves downward, the second thin bin product S from the bottom moves along with this, and comes into contact with the auxiliary stopper 7 at the restraining position, and the upper restricting plate 16 is moved in the opposite direction. Rotate clockwise. When the upper restricting plate 16 is rotated to a vertical angle, the protrusion 16 d of the upper restricting plate 16 contacts the foremost step 13 a of the upper positioning hole 13. As a result, the upper restricting plate 16 is positioned at a position corresponding to the width of the narrow bin product S, so that the upper restricting plate 16 automatically and accurately adjusts the width of the product passage 3 between the upper restricting plate 7 and the auxiliary stopper 7. regulate. As a result, the second narrow bottle product from the bottom is appropriately restrained in the product passage 3 by the auxiliary stopper 7 and the upper restricting plate 16. Thereafter, when the auxiliary stopper 7 is retracted to the retracted position after the main stopper 6 returns to the stop position, the thin bin product S group moves downward, and as described above, the lowest thin bin product S is the main. While being restrained by the stopper 6 and the lower restricting plate 17, each narrow bottle product S is restrained in the product passage 3 in a stacked filling state as shown in FIG. As described above, the sales operation of the thin bin product S is executed.
[0055]
Moreover, the operation | movement at the time of loading of thin canned goods S and thick canned goods S as shown in FIG.7 and FIG.8 and sales operation | movement are substantially the same as the case of the said thin bottle goods S, and only a different point is described. First, in the case of the thin can product S, as shown in FIG. 7, the position of the upper regulating plate 16 that contacts the second thin can product S from the bottom is lower than that of the thin bin product S at the time of loading. It becomes the position away from. Further, at the time of sale, when the upper restricting plate 16 is positioned by the upper positioning hole 13, the protrusion 16d comes into contact with the second step portion 13a from the front. That is, the upper restricting plate 16 restricts the width of the product passage 3 between the upper stopper plate 7 and the auxiliary stopper 7 to be wider than the narrow bottle product S according to the width of the thin can product S.
[0056]
On the other hand, in the case of the thick can product S, as shown in FIG. 8, when loading, the position of the upper restriction plate 16 that contacts the second thin can product S from the bottom is the maximum width than the case of the thin can product S. The position is very close to the position. Moreover, the protrusion 17d of the lower restricting plate 17 is in contact with the back plate portion 11a of the chassis 11, and restricts the width of the product passage 3 between the lower restricting plate 17 and the main stopper 6 to the maximum width. Furthermore, at the time of sale, the upper restricting plate 16 restricts the width of the product passage 3 between the upper restricting plate 16 and the auxiliary stopper 7 to the maximum width by the protrusion 16 d coming into contact with the back plate portion 11 a of the chassis 11.
[0057]
Further, in the case of a medium thick can product having a diameter between the thick can product S and the thin can product S, although not shown, the lower restricting plate 17 has a protrusion 17d second from the front of the lower positioning hole 15 during loading. By abutting on the step portion 15a, the width of the merchandise passage 3 between the main stopper 6 and the main stopper 6 is regulated to a width corresponding to the width of the medium thick can merchandise. Further, at the time of sale, the upper restricting plate 16 has the protrusion 16d abutting against the third step portion 13a from the front of the upper positioning hole 13 so that the width of the merchandise passage 3 between the auxiliary stopper 7 and the middle thick can Regulate the width according to the width of the product.
[0058]
As described above in detail, according to the product dispensing device 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to sell four types of outer diameter products S, and the products S are guided to the flapper 2f when each product S is loaded. As a result, the second product S from the bottom among the products S filled in the product passage 3 is stacked in the product passage 3 in a state of being in contact with the protruding portion 16e at the front lower end portion of the upper regulating plate 16. Thereby, at the time of sale, the upper restricting plate 16 automatically and reliably sets the width of the commodity passage 3 between the upper restricting plate 16 and the auxiliary stopper 7 protruding to the restraining position to a width corresponding to the width of the second commodity S from the bottom. Therefore, the second product S from the bottom is reliably restrained in the product passage 3 by the auxiliary stopper 7 and the upper restricting plate 16. Therefore, the product S can be reliably sold without causing malfunction such as selling the two products S at the same time.
[0059]
Further, as described above, when the second product S from the bottom among the products stacked in the product passage 3 contacts the upper restriction plate 16 during loading, the upper restriction plate 16 is Since it is urged to the minimum width position side by the upper urging plate 18 and is held at an obliquely downward angle, the second product S from the bottom can easily come into contact with the lower end of the front surface of the upper regulating plate 16 and further The lower end portion is formed with a protruding portion 16e that protrudes forward, so that the lower end portion reliably contacts the protruding portion 16e on the lower end portion of the front surface of the upper regulating plate 16. Thereby, the sales operation of the product S as described above can be executed more reliably. In addition, the stepped portion 13a of the upper positioning hole 13 is narrower than the stepped portion 15a of the lower positioning hole 15 and has multiple steps, and is provided at a position close to the product dispensing mechanism 4 side. The upper restricting plate 16 performs the width restricting operation of the second commodity S from the bottom as described above more accurately than the lower restricting plate 17. Therefore, the sales operation of the product S as described above can be more reliably executed.
[0060]
In addition, when the auxiliary stopper 7 and the main stopper 6 are in the restraining position, the upper restricting plate 16 and the lower restricting plate 17 are respectively regulated positions corresponding to the width of the product S to be filled by the upper positioning hole 13 and the lower positioning hole 15. And the width of the product passage 3 is automatically and accurately regulated, so that unlike the conventional case, it is not necessary to manually operate the upper regulating plate 16 and the lower regulating plate 17, and erroneous setting of the regulating width can be prevented. . Thereby, workability at the time of loading can be improved.
[0061]
Further, the two product dispensing mechanisms 4 and 4 are arranged at the boundary between the two product dispensing devices 1 and 1, and the rotation space in the chassis 5 of the main stopper 6 and the auxiliary stopper 7 of each product dispensing mechanism 4. Is shared, the width of the front and rear of the chassis 5 is reduced, so that the front and rear width of the entire product dispensing apparatus 1 can be reduced. Further, the left and right end portions of the shafts 16b and 17b of the upper and lower restricting plates 16 and 17 and the shaft 18b of the upper biasing plate 18 are detached from the side plate portions 11b and 11b of the chassis 11 by the side plate portions 20b and 20b of the cover 20, respectively. Can be prevented. Therefore, a work for preventing the shafts 16b to 18b from coming off, for example, a work for crushing the heads of the both ends of the shafts 16b to 18b or fitting E-rings into the grooves formed at the both ends. It becomes unnecessary and the number of assembly steps can be reduced. Furthermore, since it is only necessary to attach the single component cover 20 so as to straddle the chassis 11, the attaching operation becomes easy.
[0062]
The upper and lower urging plates 18 and 19 are rotatably attached to the chassis 11, and the curled portions 18c and 19c are loosely fitted to the folded portions 16c and 17c of the upper and lower regulating plates 16 and 17, respectively. As described above, when the upper and lower restricting plates 16 and 17 are moved between the minimum width position and the maximum width position, the folded portions 16c and 17c are loosely fitted to the curled portions 18c and 19c, respectively. Has no dimensions or shape. Therefore, the upper and lower restricting plates 16 and 17 can be smoothly moved between the minimum width position and the maximum width position by a simple configuration in which the curled portions 18c and 19c are loosely fitted to the folded portions 16c and 17c. These can be reliably urged toward the product dispensing mechanism 4 side.
[0063]
In the above embodiment, the width of the product passage 3 between the auxiliary stopper 7 and the main stopper 6 is restricted using the upper and lower restriction plates 16, 17. For example, a restricting member having a different shape or size may be used, and any structure that can be appropriately restricted may be used. Further, as means for positioning the upper and lower restricting plates 16 and 17, respectively, the stepped portions 13a and 15a (including the back plate portion 11a of the chassis 11) of the upper and lower positioning holes 13 and 15 are contacted. The means to perform is not limited to this, and any configuration that can position the upper and lower regulating plates 16 and 17 such as protrusions and shafts may be used. Further, the number of steps for positioning the upper and lower regulating plates 16 and 17 may be set as appropriate according to the type of the product S to be filled.
[0064]
Furthermore, the means for urging the upper and lower restricting plates 16 and 17 toward the product dispensing mechanism 4 is not limited to the upper and lower urging plates 18 and 19, and may be any configuration that can be urged, such as a leaf spring. In addition, the product dispensing device 1 is applied to the product rack 2 having the serpentine type product passage 3, but is not limited thereto, and has a product rack having a product passage that extends straight in the vertical direction and a product passage that extends obliquely. You may apply to what is called a slant shelf type merchandise rack. Furthermore, the means for guiding the product S to the product dispensing mechanism 4 side so that the second product S from the bottom of the stacked products S abuts against the protrusion 16e of the upper restriction plate 16 is not limited to the flapper 2f. For example, what is necessary is just the structure which can guide the goods S appropriately, such as a guide member of a different shape.
[0065]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the product dispensing device of the vending machine of the present invention, the width of the product passage can be automatically and accurately regulated according to the width of the filled product, and the workability during loading is improved. Can be made.
[Brief description of the drawings]
1A is a front view and FIG. 1B is a side sectional view of a product rack to which a product dispensing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG.
FIG. 4 is a front view of a product dispensing mechanism.
5 is a cross-sectional view taken along arrow AA in FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view showing an operation in which the product dispensing device stops and ejects a narrow bottle product.
FIG. 7 is a side sectional view showing an operation in which the product dispensing device stops and throws out the thin can product.
FIG. 8 is a side sectional view showing an operation in which the product dispensing device stops and throws out a thick can product.
FIGS. 9A and 9B are side cross-sectional views showing a state in which a conventional product dispensing device (a) stops a large can product and (b) a state that stops a thin can product, respectively.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Product dispensing device
2f Flapper (parts that make up the exit of the product passage)
3 product passage
4. Product delivery mechanism
6 Main stopper
7 Auxiliary stopper
10 Passage width regulation mechanism
11b Chassis side plate (product side wall)
12 Upper guide hole (guide means, hole)
13 Upper positioning hole (positioning means, first positioning means)
14 Lower guide hole (guide means, hole)
15 Lower positioning hole (positioning means, second positioning means)
16 Upper restriction plate (first restriction member)
16b shaft
16c Folding part
16e protrusion
17 Lower restriction plate (second restriction member)
17b shaft
17c Folding part
18 Upper biasing plate (biasing means, first biasing means)
18a body (first body)
18b Shaft (one end of the first biasing means)
18c curl (the other end of the first biasing means)
18d Torsion coil spring (first biasing member)
19 Lower urging plate (biasing means, second urging means)
19a body (second body)
19b Shaft (one end of the second urging means)
19c curl (the other end of the second urging means)
19d Torsion coil spring (second biasing member)
20 Cover
S product

Claims (8)

上下方向に延びる商品通路に突出した制止位置と前記商品通路から退避した退避位置との間でともに進退自在な補助ストッパおよび主ストッパを上下に配置し、販売時には、前記補助ストッパを前記制止位置に突出させることにより、下から２番目の商品を前記商品通路内に制止するとともに、前記主ストッパを前記退避位置に退避させることにより、最下位の商品を前記商品通路から下方に投出した後、前記主ストッパを前記制止位置に位置させるとともに前記補助ストッパを前記退避位置に位置させる商品投出機構を備えた自動販売機の商品投出装置において、
前記商品通路の前記商品投出機構に対向する面に設けられ、前記補助ストッパが前記制止位置に位置するときに、前記補助ストッパとの間の商品通路の幅を規制する第１規制部材と、
前記商品通路の前記商品投出機構に対向する面に設けられ、前記主ストッパが前記制止位置に位置するときに、前記主ストッパとの間の商品通路の幅を規制する第２規制部材と、
前記第１規制部材および前記第２規制部材を回動自在にかつ前記商品投出機構側に進退自在に支持し、前記商品投出機構との間の前記商品通路を前記商品の幅よりも狭い最小幅に規制する最小幅位置と、最大幅に規制する最大幅位置との間で案内する案内手段と、
前記第１規制部材および前記第２規制部材を前記商品投出機構側に向かって付勢する付勢手段と、
前記商品通路内に充填された前記商品が当接することにより前記第１規制部材および前記第２規制部材が回動したときに、当接する前記商品の幅に応じて、前記第１規制部材および前記第２規制部材を前記最小幅位置と前記最大幅位置の間の複数の規制位置の１つにそれぞれに位置決めする位置決め手段と、
前記第１規制部材の上方の前記商品通路の下端部に設けられ、前記商品投出機構側に向かって斜め下がりに延び、前記主ストッパが前記制止位置に位置するときに、積み重なった前記商品のうちの前記下から２番目の商品が前記第１規制部材の回動の自由端側に当接した状態になるように、前記充填された商品を前記商品投出機構側に案内する案内位置と、先端部が当該案内位置よりも下方に回動した位置との間で回動自在のフラッパと、
当該フラッパを前記案内位置に付勢するねじりコイルばねと、
を備えることを特徴とする自動販売機の商品投出装置。Auxiliary stoppers and main stoppers that can be moved back and forth between the stop position protruding in the product passage extending in the vertical direction and the retracted position retracted from the product passage are arranged up and down. After the second product from the bottom is restrained in the product passage by projecting, and the main stopper is retracted to the retracted position, the lowest product is thrown downward from the product passage, In the product dispensing device of the vending machine provided with a product dispensing mechanism for positioning the main stopper at the stop position and positioning the auxiliary stopper at the retracted position,
A first regulating member that is provided on a surface of the merchandise passage that faces the merchandise dispensing mechanism and regulates a width of the merchandise passage between the auxiliary stopper when the auxiliary stopper is located at the restraining position;
A second regulating member that is provided on a surface of the merchandise passage that faces the merchandise dispensing mechanism and that regulates the width of the merchandise passage between the main stopper and the main stopper when the main stopper is located at the restraining position;
The first restricting member and the second restricting member are supported so as to be rotatable and advanceable / retractable toward the product dispensing mechanism, and the product passage between the product dispensing mechanism and the product dispensing mechanism is narrower than the width of the product. Guiding means for guiding between a minimum width position restricted to the minimum width and a maximum width position restricted to the maximum width;
Urging means for urging the first restricting member and the second restricting member toward the commodity dispensing mechanism;
When the first restriction member and the second restriction member are rotated by contact of the product filled in the product passage, the first restriction member and the Positioning means for positioning the second restricting member at one of a plurality of restricting positions between the minimum width position and the maximum width position ;
Provided at the lower end of the commodity passage above the first restricting member , extending obliquely downward toward the commodity dispensing mechanism, and when the main stopper is located at the restraining position, from the bottom of the out as the second product is in a state that abuts on the free end side of rotation of the first regulating member, and a guide position for guiding the filled product in the product dispensing mechanism side A flapper that is rotatable between a position where the tip portion is rotated below the guide position;
A torsion coil spring that biases the flapper toward the guide position;
Product dispensing device for an automatic vending machine, characterized in that it comprises a. 当該商品投出装置は、他の商品投出装置と背中合わせに対称に並設されており、これら２つの商品投出装置の境界部には、２つの前記商品投出機構が配置されていることを特徴とする請求項１に記載の自動販売機の商品投出装置。 The product dispensing device is arranged symmetrically back to back with other product dispensing devices, and the two product dispensing mechanisms are arranged at the boundary between these two product dispensing devices. The product dispensing device for a vending machine according to claim 1. 前記位置決め手段は、前記第１規制部材を前記複数の規制位置に位置決めする第１位置決め手段と、前記第２規制部材を前記第１位置決め手段の前記複数の規制位置よりも前記商品投出機構側から離れた複数の規制位置に位置決めする第２位置決め手段とで構成されていることを特徴とする請求項１または２に記載の自動販売機の商品投出装置。 The positioning means includes a first positioning means for positioning the first restricting member at the plurality of restricting positions, and the second restricting member closer to the product dispensing mechanism than the plurality of restricting positions of the first positioning means. 3. The product dispensing apparatus for a vending machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises second positioning means for positioning at a plurality of restricting positions away from the vehicle. 前記第１位置決め手段の前記複数の規制位置は、前記第２位置決め手段の前記複数の規制位置よりも数多くかつ互いの間隔が狭く設定されていることを特徴とする請求項３に記載の自動販売機の商品投出装置。 4. The vending according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of restriction positions of the first positioning means are set to be larger than the plurality of restriction positions of the second positioning means and are spaced from each other. Product launching device. 前記案内手段は、前記商品通路の両側壁に形成した孔で構成され、前記第１規制部材および前記第２規制部材には、両端部がそれぞれ前記両側壁の孔に係合することにより、前記両側壁に回動自在にかつ進退自在に支持されるシャフトが設けられており、前記両側壁の外方には、前記シャフトが前記両側壁の孔から抜けないように前記シャフトの長さ方向の移動を規制するカバーが設けられていることを特徴とする請求項１乃至４のいずれかに記載の自動販売機の商品投出装置。 The guide means includes holes formed in both side walls of the commodity passage, and both end portions of the first restricting member and the second restricting member are engaged with holes in the both side walls, respectively. Shafts that are rotatably supported on both side walls are provided, and the shafts in the length direction of the shafts are provided outside the side walls so that the shafts do not come out of the holes in the side walls. The product dispensing apparatus for a vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a cover for restricting movement . 前記カバーは、前記商品通路の両側壁に跨って延びる断面「コ」字状の単一部材であることを特徴とする請求項５に記載の自動販売機の商品投出装置。 6. The product dispensing apparatus for a vending machine according to claim 5 , wherein the cover is a single member having a cross-sectional "U" shape extending across both side walls of the product passage . 前記第１規制部材および前記第２規制部材の回動の自由端部は、前記 商品が当接する当接面側に、前記最小幅位置にあるときに前記商品投出機構側に突出する突出部を備えていることを特徴とする請求項１乃至６のいずれかに記載の自動販売機の商品投出装置。 The free end of rotation of the first restricting member and the second restricting member is on the abutment surface side where the product abuts, and a projecting portion that projects toward the product dispensing mechanism when in the minimum width position product dispensing device for the automatic vending machine according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a. 前記付勢手段は、
一端部が前記商品通路の両側壁に回動自在に支持され、他端部が前記第１規制部材に連結された第１本体と、この第１本体を前記第１規制部材側に回動させるように付勢することにより、前記第１規制部材を前記最小幅位置側に付勢する第１付勢部材と、を備えた第１付勢手段と、
一端部が前記商品通路の両側壁に回動自在に支持され、他端部が前記第２規制部材に連結された第２本体と、この第２本体を前記第２規制部材側に回動させるように付勢することにより、前記第２規制部材を前記最小幅位置側に付勢する第２付勢部材と、を備えた第２付勢手段と、で構成され、
前記第１規制部材および前記第２規制部材はそれぞれ、前記当接面と反対側の面との間に、前記第１本体および前記第２本体の他端部が遊嵌される隙間を画成する折返部を備えており、これらの折返部は、前記第１規制部材および前記第２規制部材が前記最小幅位置と前記最大幅位置との間で進退するときに、遊嵌した前記第１本体および前記第２本体の他端部の離脱を阻止可能な形状に形成されていることを特徴とする請求項１乃至７のいずれかに記載の自動販売機の商品投出装置。 The biasing means is
A first body whose one end is rotatably supported on both side walls of the product passage and the other end is connected to the first restricting member, and the first body is rotated toward the first restricting member. A first urging member comprising: a first urging member that urges the first restricting member toward the minimum width position by urging
A second body having one end rotatably supported on both side walls of the product passage and the other end coupled to the second restricting member; and rotating the second body toward the second restricting member. And a second urging member comprising a second urging member that urges the second restricting member toward the minimum width position side by urging as described above,
The first restricting member and the second restricting member each define a gap in which the other end portions of the first main body and the second main body are loosely fitted between the contact surface and the opposite surface. And the first folding member is loosely fitted when the first regulating member and the second regulating member advance and retract between the minimum width position and the maximum width position. The product dispensing apparatus for a vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the product dispensing apparatus is formed in a shape capable of preventing the main body and the other end of the second main body from being detached .
JP00551399A 1999-01-12 1999-01-12 Vending machine product dispensing device Expired - Fee Related JP3800845B2 (en)

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